Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India and its neighbourhood, Issue: India-China relations.
Context:
PM Modi’s visit to Beijing (first in 7 years) and meeting with President Xi Jinping on SCO sidelines marks a shift from confrontation to conversation. It occured after five years of freeze post-Galwan clash (2020) where 20 Indian soldiers were killed.
Key Highlights:
Historical Background:
Early Cooperation:
- Mutual recognition: India among first non-Communist countries to recognise PRC.
- 1940s–50s: Cultural and educational exchanges and international cooperation through Asian Relations Conference (1947), Bandung Conference (1955).
- Setback: Initial optimism of “Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai” spirit was later derailed by 1962 War.
The “Chindia” Idea:
- Coined as a portmanteau for Asian synergy. It signifies economic complementarity and political cooperation.
- However, it got shelved after Galwan 2020 due to border tensions and strategic mistrust.
Recent Developments:
- Symbolic gestures:
- Indian pilgrims allowed in Tibet.
- Resumption of direct flights.
- Patrolling resumed in disputed frontier zones.
- High-level exchanges: Though exchanges are cautious, they seek to prevent disputes from derailing ties.
- Modi–Xi dialogue: Both reaffirmed the principle that India & China should be development partners, not rivals.
Persistent Challenges:
Border Disputes:
- LAC status quo (post-2020) unresolved and trust deficit remains high.
- Continued Chinese infrastructure build-up near disputed regions.
Economic Asymmetry:
- India runs a massive trade deficit with China.
- Non-tariff barriers restrict Indian exports.
- Dependence on Chinese imports on electronics, APIs, solar modules pose self-reliance challenges for India.
Strategic Mistrust:
- India’s alignment with Quad, U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy is seen warily by China.
- China’s ties with Pakistan such as CPEC and defence cooperation deepen India’s security concerns.
Political Tensions:
- China opposes India’s entry into NSG and permanent UNSC seat.
- Visa restrictions, military stand-offs, and curbs on Indian companies add friction.
Opportunities for Cooperation:
Way Forward:
- Border Resolution First: Sustainable relationship requires progress on LAC disengagement & de-escalation.
- Pragmatic Engagement: Manage differences, expand economic cooperation where interests converge.
- Balanced Approach: India should engage China without compromising on strategic autonomy.
- Rebuild Trust Mechanisms: Military hotlines, border talks, economic dialogue, and crisis-management frameworks.
Conclusion:
The Modi–Xi meeting represents a tentative thaw after years of silence, but deep mistrust lingers. The future of “Chindia” depends on whether both nations can compartmentalize disputes, strengthen cooperative platforms, and balance competition with collaboration. For India, the challenge is to engage without appeasing, ensuring security, autonomy, and economic resilience.
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