India and China out of the world’s ancient civilizations which also happen to be the largest in terms of population are India and China. What we see in the relationship between these two which we also term as the India and China relations has been a mixed bag of friendship, rivalry and at times, a very careful kind of cooperation. In the 21st century as both these nations rise to great power status on the global stage, the importance of their bilateral relations has grown even more. This complex relationship is the key to the future of Asia and the world.
Historical Background of India-China Relations: Background to India’s relationship with China:
India’s relationship with China has roots in past which stretch back thousands of years. We saw cultural exchange via Buddhism, trade along the Silk Road and also in shared philosophies which formed the base of our civilizations’ bond. Post 1947 the relationship took a different turn in the modern age.
1950s Friendship: After India gained independence and the PRC was founded the two nations established diplomatic relations. The slogan of Hindi-China bhai bhai which meant Indians and Chinese are brothers characterized early friendship.
1962 Border War: The unity between the two countries broke in 1962 at the time of the border war which left in the Indian people a very deep resentment. Defeat at the hands of China has created a trust issue which we are still dealing with today.
This legacy issues which in turn shape how the two nations see each other.
Major Turning Points in India-China Relations: Key Milestones in India’s relationship with China:
In the course of time what we saw was a series of events which shaped the relationship between India and China:
1962 War: A large issue over which borders in the Himalayas are disputed.
1976 Restoration of Ambassadors: Diplomacy resumed after years of no relations.
1993 and 1996 Agreements: Confidence was built by means of measures which reduced border tensions.
Doklam Standoff (2017): A standoff at the India-Bhutan-China border saw military and diplomatic tensions play out.
Galwan Clash (2020): Severe fighting in Ladakh saw the most serious border conflict in generations.
Strategic and Geopolitical Dimensions:
India and China’s relationships go beyond the bilateral; they have regional and global bearing.
BRICS & SCO: Both in groups like the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) which see cooperation as a priority.
Indo-Pacific Strategy: India is a part of the Quad which includes (India, US, Japan, Australia) to counter China’s growing influence in Asia-Pacific.
Influence of the US: India’s improved relationship with the US is a cause of concern for China which in turn is adding to diplomatic complications.
Economic and Trade Relations: Trade and Economic Issues:
Trade is the foundation of India’s and China’s relationship which in turn is marred by political tensions.
Trade Growth: China is a large trade partner of India. We see trade between us of over $135 billion which is mostly in favor of Chinese imports.
Trade Imbalance: India imports electronics, machinery, and chemical products from China and also exports to them raw materials and pharmaceuticals. The trade is very much in China’s favor.
Investment Links: Chinese companies have put money into Indian startups and tech firms which post-2020 have seen increased regulation of.
Border and Security Issues: Perimeter and Security Issues:
The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is the primary issue in India and China relations.
Unresolved Borders: In some regions of Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim there is dispute.
Military Standoffs: Ongoing conflicts which at times see a lull in hostilities but which in the main do not die down.
Security Concerns: Both in and out they are working on creating a trust which is also of a competitive nature at the LAC.
Diplomacy and Bilateral Talks:
Despite issues at times, diplomacy has been the steady factor in the health of India and China relations.
High-Level Meetings: Leaders on both sides meet at global forums and in bilateral summits.
Confidence Building: Agreeements for withdrawal and communication lines which in turn try to prevent out of hand escalations.
Trade and Culture: People to people interactions and cultural diplomacy bring a softer element.
India-China Relations in Global Context: India’s Role in the World in Relation to China:
India and China’s relationship also plays into global geopolitics.
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): India is against China’s BRI which it sees in terms of sovereignty issues, while the greater part of the world is for it.
Climate Change & Technology: In the global climate talks and emerging tech standards, both are major players.
Cooperation vs Competition: While in the issue of BRICS banking reforms they do see which they can work together but at the same time in South Asia and Africa they are competitive.
Future of India-China Relations: India’s role in the years to come with respect to China:
The future of India and China’s relationship is in how they handle competition and cooperation.
Opportunities: Trade growth, climate change cooperation, technological partnerships, and regional stability.
Challenges: Border issues, security matters, lack of trust, foreign intervention.
Balanced Outlook: Relations will be a mix of rivalry and partnership which will see careful diplomacy at play.
India’s relationship with China is the most complex in the world. Out of ancient connections which stretch back through history and modern day conflicts which have defined them, what they put forward to each other is the power structure in Asia. Although issues still present themselves in particular along the border — there is great opportunity in trade, technology and global governance. For the world over the coming years how India and China handle their differences will shape international politics in the 21st century.
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FAQs on India and China Relations
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