Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India’s relations with major powers, Issue: India-China relations.
Context:
The metaphor of elephant (India) and dragon (China) is often used to describe bilateral dynamics. Recent SCO Summit at Tianjin where both sides expressed readiness to cooperate attempts to balance cooperation with caution to ensure interests are not compromised.
Key Highlights:
Key Areas of Convergence:
Major Areas of Divergence:
Global Context:
US Factor:
- Uncertainty in U.S. global role after Trump-era policies.
- Retreat from multilateralism leaves space for China and India to shape global order.
BRICS Potential:
- Could stabilize global financial architecture.
- Promotion of alternative currency mechanisms (SDR-linked unit, digital currencies).
- Intra-BRICS settlements, clearing houses, reinsurance as alternatives to Western dominance.
Global South Leadership:
- India’s proposals can appeal not only to Global South but also to US allies uneasy with Washington’s unpredictability.
Strategic Caution for India:
- Cooperation should not come at the cost of strategic vulnerabilities.
- India must safeguard:
- Borders (security first approach).
- Vital infrastructure (indigenization to prevent sabotage risks).
- Sovereignty and decision-making autonomy.
Way Forward:
- Balance Cooperation with Vigilance: Work with China on trade, tech, climate, but stay firm on borders and terrorism.
- Indigenization of Infrastructure: Reduce reliance on Chinese technology.
- Strengthen Multilateralism: Use SCO, BRICS to push reforms in global governance and finance.
- Strategic Autonomy: Neither over-dependent on U.S. nor China; India must chart its own path.
Conclusion:
The India–China “elephant-dragon dance” must be choreographed with caution and elegance.India should seize cooperation opportunities in trade, tech, and multilateral reform while safeguarding sovereignty, security, and long-term interests.
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