India-China relations are characterized by conflict, competition, and cooperation. In this context, discuss the evolving nature of India-China relationship.

India-China relations, two of Asia’s oldest civilizations and largest economies, share a complex and layered bilateral relationship. From the post-independence spirit of “Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai” to the confrontations at the Galwan Valley in 2020, their relationship has oscillated between cooperation, competition, and conflict.

Conflict:

(a) Border Disputes:

• The unresolved 3,488 km Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains a flashpoint.
• Major clashes such as 1962 War, 1967 Nathu La, 2017 Doklam, 2020 Galwan, and 2022 Yangtse clash points out the confrontational nature of the relationship.
• China claims Arunachal Pradesh as “South Tibet” and occupies 38,000 sq km in Aksai Chin.

(b) Water Security:

• Construction of the Zangmu and proposed Medog dams on Brahmaputra creates ecological and strategic concerns. Having no formal water-sharing treaty further exacerbates the problem.

(c) Cyber and Technological Threats:

• 300+ Chinese apps banned, while Huawei and ZTE have been excluded from 5G trials.
• Cyberattacks on critical Indian infrastructure such as the 2022 AIIMS attack by ChamelGang point out the nature of the threat.

Competition:

(a) Economic Imbalance:

• In FY 2023–24, bilateral trade reached $118.4 billion with a massive $85.1 billion trade deficit for India.
• India also remains heavily dependent on China for APIs (70%), electronic components, and solar equipment (60%) simultaneously building self-reliance on the same.

(b) Regional Rivalry:

• China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and String of Pearls strategy encircle India geopolitically.
• India is countering them through the Necklace of Diamonds strategy and regional outreach via BIMSTEC, IORA, and QUAD.

(c) Strategic Alliances:

• China-Pakistan nexus through Military, economic (CPEC), and diplomatic support on Kashmir is a major roadblock for India.
• On the other hand, India’s increasing engagement with QUAD, I2U2, and joint military exercises (e.g., Malabar) seen by China as containment.

Cooperation:

(a) Multilateral Forums:

• Both are members of groupings such as BRICS, SCO, G20, AIIB. Despite differences, both are jointly participation to maintain dialogue channels.

(b) Cultural and Historical Ties:

• Buddhism, ancient trade routes, and historical exchanges (Fa Xian, Xuanzang) are significant commonalities between the countries.
• Recent resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (2024) signals cultural diplomacy.

(c) Trade and Investment:

• China is India’s largest trading partner. Also, despite increased FDI scrutiny post-2020, Chinese investment in Indian startups crossed $3.5 billion across 18 unicorns (as of 2020).

Evolving Nature of the Relationship:

• From Fraternity to Strategic Rivalry: India was the first non-socialist country to recognize the People’s Republic of China in 1950, and the Panchsheel Agreement of 1954 set a cooperative tone.
• However, post the 1962 war, the relationship soured, and since then, it has shifted between uneasy cooperation and confrontation.
• Post-1988 Normalization and Engagement: Rajiv Gandhi’s 1988 visit marked a turning point with renewed focus on trade and dialogue mechanisms.
• Several agreements like the 1993 Peace and Tranquility Agreement helped stabilize ties temporarily.
• Post-2017 Strategic Caution: After incidents like Doklam and Galwan, India has recalibrated its China policy, emphasizing border security, economic self-reliance, and strategic partnerships. India’s policy now follows a “trust but verify” approach.
• Balanced Diplomacy with Assertiveness: India has maintained its strategic autonomy by balancing its growing ties with the West (QUAD, Indo-Pacific) while still engaging China in forums like SCO and BRICS.
• This dual approach reflects India’s attempt to manage competition while preventing outright hostility.

Way Forward: A Multifaceted Strategy

1. Strengthen Border Infrastructure:
   1. Complete strategic roads and ALGs under Vibrant Villages Programme and Project Arunank.
2. Economic Decoupling:
   1. Expand PLI schemes, reduce reliance on Chinese APIs, EV parts, and solar tech.
3. Balanced Diplomacy:
   1. Maintain strategic autonomy while engaging both QUAD and SCO platforms.
4. People-to-People Ties:
   1. Use Track 3 diplomacy to promote cultural exchanges, education, and tourism.
5. Assert Core Interests:
   1. Uphold sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, J&K, and insist on mutual respect.

Conclusion:

India-China relations are in a state of strategic flux. As the two countries approach the 75th year of diplomatic ties in 2025, the relationship must transition from conflict management to conflict resolution. Only then can the idea of an Asian Century become a reality.

‘+1’ Value Addition:

• Quote: “The Asian Century cannot happen if India and China do not come together.” – Dr. S. Jaishankar
• India’s trade deficit with China stands at$85.1 bn trade deficit. India gets 70% of its APIs from China. China is also investing $62 bn through CPEC into Pakistan. 
• Through scheme such asPLI, Vibrant Village, Sagarmala, Semiconductor Mission etc India is aiming to reduce dependence on China.
• India and China also conduct a “Hand in Hand” exercise which aims to enhance interoperability between the two armies.
• In 2006, both signed the Education Exchange Programme (EEP), that provides for educational cooperation between the two countries.

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