Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India and its neighbourhood, Issue: India-China boundary dispute.
Context:
On 31 August 2025, PM Narendra Modi visited China, a first visit in seven years. It is a follow-up to BRICS 2024 summit in Kazan; reset after 2017 Doklam and 2020 Galwan clashes which has implications for border settlement.
Key Takeaways:
Historical Context:
- 1979: Prime Minister Vajpayee visited China as External Affairs Minister — first senior Indian visit post 1962 war and initiated normalization of relations.
- Deng Xiaoping offered a border deal, but India indicated it was not ready.
- 1998: Nuclear tests by India strained relations; Beijing supported UN Security Council Resolution 1172 against India.
- 1999: Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting resumed after 20 months.
- 2003: Vajpayee proposed giving a political push to border talks by appointing Special Representatives (SRs):
- India: Brajesh Mishra, Principal Secretary & National Security Advisor.
- China: Dai Bingguo, senior diplomat and advisor to President Hu Jintao.
- 2005 Political Parameters Agreement:
- Agreed framework for border settlement.
- Major suggestion: Swap claims — China retains Aksai Chin, India retains Arunachal Pradesh.
- Settlement to be based on political perspective and natural geographical features.
- Articles IV & VII emphasized strategic interests and protection of settled populations.
Challenges in Implementation:
- China later reasserted its claim on Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh).
- Though SRs achieved an 18-point consensus by 2013, political go-ahead was missing.
- Doklam 2017 crisis: Partial alignment agreed was reached on Sikkim-Tibet border. Trijunctions required consultation with third countries (Myanmar, Bhutan, Nepal) was agreed upon.
Recent Developments: SCO Summit 2025 & Bilateral Reset:
- 2024 Border Patrol Agreement: Restored patrolling rights in Depsang Plains and Demchok region; prevented unilateral changes along LAC.
- 2025: 24th round of SR talks held and both sides committed to a “reasonable and mutually acceptable framework”.
- 31 August 2025: PM Narendra Modi visited China a first visit in seven years.
Key Outcomes of SCO 2025 Engagement:
Future Outlook:
- Special Expert Group: To achieve “early harvest” agreement, starting with the Sikkim-Tibet boundary.
- New Border Management Methods: To replace failed 2020 mechanisms.
- Pragmatic Engagement: Compartmentalize issues and focus on cooperation over rivalry.
- Long-term Stability: High-level dialogue, developmental partnership framework, peaceful dispute resolution.
Conclusion:
India-China relations have entered a pragmatic, cooperative phase. Final resolution requires political will from top leadership, with a balance between strategic interests, territorial claims, and settled populations.
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