Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India’s foreign policy, Issue: India- China ties.
Context:
PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the side-lines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin.Meeting gains importance against backdrop of unexpected turbulence in Indo-US ties (tariff imposition by US), long-standing India-China tensions post-Galwan clash (2020) and global geopolitical flux.
Key Highlights:
Significance of the Meeting:
- Cautious Welcome: First high-level interaction since prolonged bilateral freeze.
- Positive Momentum: It builds on earlier Wang Yi visit to Delhi (August).
- Symbolism: Reaffirmation of cooperative engagement as seen in “dragon and elephant” metaphor being used.
Historical Background:
- 1962 War: Created deep mistrust and relationship has remained uneasy since then.
- Earlier Templates:
- 1976 restoration of ambassadorial ties.
- 1988 Rajiv Gandhi’s visit reopening dialogue.
- 2003 onward: Incremental improvement despite disputes.
- Post-Galwan (2020): Border clashes led to a freeze in ties.
Key Outcomes of Tianjin:
- Acknowledgment of Progress:
- Leaders recognized “important decisions” by Special Representatives.
- Commitment to “mutually acceptable resolution” on border.
- Work in Progress:
- Both sides admitted disputes remain unresolved.
- Dialogue will continue in other domains of cooperation.
- Strategic Signalling:
- Cooperation emphasized over rivalry.
- Visual symbolism: Partnership rather than threat.
Challenges in India–China Relations:
- Border Dispute:
- Unresolved territorial tensions such as Ladakh, Arunachal.
- 2020 Galwan clash deepened mistrust.
- China’s Strategic Behaviour:
- Alignment with Pakistan.
- Assertive approach in South Asia and Indo-Pacific.
- Geopolitical Flux:
- US-China rivalry is affecting India’s space for manoeuvre.
- Growing Multipolarity of world affairs adds complexity.
Broader Geopolitical Context:
- SCO Summit: Reflects shift in global power balance.
- US Factor:
- Trump tariffs strained India-US ties.
- India balancing between Washington and Beijing.
- Russia Factor: Though a traditional partner, it is now more aligned with China.
Way Forward:
- Pragmatic Engagement: Maintain dialogue despite differences.
- Border Management: Work towards mutually acceptable arrangements to prevent escalation.
- Strategic Balancing: Balance ties between US, Russia, and China while protecting sovereignty.
- Focus on Developmental Cooperation: Economic and technological engagements where interests converge.
Conclusion:
The Tianjin meeting signals a tentative thaw in India-China relations, but deep structural differences, especially on the border, remain unresolved. India must pursue calibrated engagement with China while strengthening its strategic autonomy and balancing relations with other global powers.
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