Modi's Beijing visit and Xi's engagement signal a cautious revival of "Chindia," prioritizing dialogue over discord. Despite border disputes, trade imbalances, and regional rivalry, resumed people-to-people ties and multilateral cooperation offer hope. However, India must balance strategic autonomy with robust defense and economic strategies.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Beijing in 2025, his first in seven years, and meeting with President Xi Jinping at the SCO summit mark a shift from post-Galwan (2020) tensions to cautious engagement.
Ancient Ties: Over 2,000 years of trade (Silk Road, Golden Road) and cultural exchange (Buddhism, Nalanda, Shaolin Temple).
1950s: India, first non-communist nation to recognize People's Republic of China (1950); Panchsheel Agreement (1954); Asian Relations (1947) and Bandung (1955) conferences promoted “Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai.”
1960s-80s: 1962 Sino-Indian War (Aksai Chin, Arunachal Pradesh) and Soviet alignment froze ties; diplomatic relations restored in 1976.
1980s-2010s: Rajiv Gandhi’s 1988 visit normalized ties; 1993, 1996 agreements ensured Line of Actual Control (LAC) peace; trade grew.
2010s-Present: Tensions from Doklam (2017), Galwan (2020, 20 Indian lives lost),; recent diplomacy (BRICS 2025, SCO 2025) aims for recovery.
Read all about: India–China Relations |
Trade: Bilateral trade at $127.71 billion (FY24); China is India’s 5th largest export market (3.29% of exports); Double Taxation Agreement (1994); WTO commitments.
Multilateralism: Active in BRICS, G20, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
Cultural Ties: Buddhism’s spread; Tagore’s 1924 visit; Bollywood, Yoga popularity; Education Exchange Programme; Luoyang temple.
Border Management: 1993, 1996 Agreements; 2013 Border Defence Co-operation Agreement; new Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) Expert Group.
Border Disputes: 3,488 km undemarcated LAC; disputes in Aksai Chin, Arunachal Pradesh; China rejects McMahon Line; “Five Finger Policy” and “Salami Slicing” tactics.
Trade Imbalance: India’s exports ($14.25 billion) dwarfed by imports ($113.5 billion, FY24); $99.2 billion deficit (FY24); non-tariff barriers on Indian IT, pharma.
China-Pakistan Nexus: Over 80% of Pakistan’s arms from China; China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) violates India’s sovereignty.
Water Security: China’s Brahmaputra dams threaten India, Bangladesh.
Tibet Issue: Dalai Lama’s presence; succession dispute risks escalation.
String of Pearls: China’s ports in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives, etc., encircle India; countered by India’s “Necklace of Diamonds.”
South China Sea: China’s claims impact India’s navigation, energy interests.
Regional Influence: China’s growing role in Nepal, Bhutan challenges India.
Multilateral Blocks: China’s opposition to India’s National Security Guard (NSG) bid, UN Security Council (UNSC) terrorist listings.
Promise: India-China as Asian growth engines; trade surged to $127.7 billion (2024-25); joint New Development Bank (NDB), AIIB roles.
Reality:
Multialignment: Engages US, China, Russia while preserving autonomy.
US Partnership: Strategic for modernization, maritime security; not anti-China containment.
Countering China: Quad, I2U2; “Necklace of Diamonds” vs “String of Pearls.”
Pushback: Opposes CPEC, addresses trade deficits, asserts South China Sea interests.
Defense Enhancement: Project Arunank, Vibrant Village Program for border infrastructure.
Resolve Border Disputes: Restore pre-2020 LAC status; clarify LAC; negotiate permanent agreement with written guarantees.
Reduce Trade Imbalance: Ease non-tariff barriers; expand Indian exports (pharma, IT).
Enhance Cooperation: Resume cultural exchanges, flights, Yatras; deepen BRICS, SCO collaboration.
Counter China’s Influence: Strengthen Quad, ASEAN ties; accelerate border infrastructure (Vibrant Village).
Foster Dialogue: Address misperceptions on Indo-Pacific, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI); establish mutual “red lines.”
Leverage Technology: Mitigate China’s rare-earth, equipment restrictions through domestic innovation, alternative sourcing.
Modi’s Beijing visit and Xi’s engagement signal a careful revival of “Chindia,” prioritizing dialogue over discord. While border disputes, trade imbalances, and regional rivalry persist, resumed people-to-people ties and multilateral cooperation offer hope.
Source: INDIAN EXPRESS
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. In a multipolar world, India and China can be development partners, not just rivals. Critically analyze. 250 words |
The LAC is the de facto border between India and China, spanning 3,488 km. It is not mutually agreed upon, leading to frequent clashes and standoffs.
Indian and Chinese troops clashed in Eastern Ladakh’s Galwan Valley. 20 Indian soldiers and an undisclosed number of Chinese soldiers were killed—the first fatalities since 1975.
China is India’s largest trading partner (2024-25 trade: $127.7 bn). However, India runs a huge trade deficit (over $99. 2bn), heavily importing electronics, machinery, and chemicals.
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