Marking 75th anniversary of bilateral relations between two countries, Chinese President termed India and China as “ancient civilizations, major developing countries and important members of Global South”.
Key Issues in India-China relations
- Unsettled Border: Along the 3,488-kilometer Line of Actual Control (LAC), the lack of mutual agreement between the two countries has led to military clashes.
- Geopolitical Rivalry: For example, India sees China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), including China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through disputed Kashmir, as a strategic encirclement.
- Economic Imbalance: India is heavily reliant on Chinese imports, with the country’s trade deficit surging to $85.1 billion in FY 2024.
- China’s support to Pakistan: in the form of advanced military technology and economic aid, further complicates India’s security.
Way Forward
- Early resolution of border disputes through diplomatic mechanisms such as Border-Personnel Meetings, Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC), etc.
- Strengthening economic interdependence with balanced trade and investment opportunities.
- Both countries need a "durable base" for rebuilding the relations based on a threefold formula of mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest.
