Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India and its neighbourhood, Issue: India-China relations.
Context:
The high-level meetings between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping emphasizes the importance of respect, equality, and mutual trust as foundational principles for improving bilateral ties.
Key Highlights:
Border Situation:
- Reengagement: India-China engagement at recent summits (BRICS Kazan Summit 2024, SCO) signals attempts to move past Galwan Valley 2020 clashes.
- Disengagement: Patrolling & de-escalation in Eastern Ladakh remain key issues though both Defence Minister and External Affairs Minister have called for disengagement.
- Resumed yatras: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumption after five years was a positive step.
- Unresolved concerns: Certain concerns remain unresolved such as Direct flights, Journalistic freedom, Business visas and Upper riparian water issues.
India’s Concerns:
- Collusion with Pakistan: China’s “all-weather friendship” with Pakistan and infrastructure projects in PoK (e.g., CPEC) are key irritants for India.
- Blockade: China has blocked India’s efforts to designate Pakistan-based terrorists at the UN in the past.
- Conflict in multilateral forums: Future SCO/BRICS declarations may not reflect India’s position due to Pakistan’s membership.
- Territorial Sovereignty: China must respect India’s position on Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Tibet, and the Dalai Lama’s succession.
- Cross-border Terrorism: At the SCO, China failed to condemn cross-border terrorism, a key Indian concern.
- Trade Imbalance: China enjoys a massive trade surplus with India. India faces market access issues and export restrictions on EV parts, drones, etc.
- Lack of Reciprocity: China’s policies are often seen as non-reciprocal, reinforcing mistrust.
- Mistrust: China’s military infrastructure expansion near LAC and frequent border incidents erode trust. Beijing’s actions in Taiwan, Tibet, South China Sea, and backing Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir worsen perceptions.
- Geopolitics: India’s cooperation with the US, Quad, and BRICS partners seen as balancing China’s rise.
Way ahead:
- Build Mutual Trust: Respect for sovereignty and core concerns of each nation is essential.
- Transparent Dialogue: Promote open communication channels to prevent misinterpretations.
- Respect for Red Lines: India will not accept violations of territorial sovereignty.
- Strategic Autonomy: India’s foreign policy must remain guided by non-alignment and national interest.
Conclusion:
India-China relations cannot be reset unless China addresses India’s core issues. Only mutual respect, peaceful border conditions, and sincere engagement can lay the foundation for stable ties. Diplomacy must prevail, but Delhi’s red lines cannot be crossed.
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