Recent Developments in India-China Relations
The recent interactions between India and China, including high-level meetings, indicate an improvement in relations following tensions from the Galwan incident in 2020.
Key Meetings and Agreements
- Resumption of patrolling and grazing activities in eastern Ladakh has led to disengagement at remaining friction points.
- Visits by the Defence Minister and the External Affairs Minister emphasized the need for early de-escalation to normalize ties.
- The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after a five-year hiatus was positively received in India.
Outstanding Issues
- Direct flights, stationing of journalists, business visas, and upper riparian river waters data remain unaddressed.
Counter-Terrorism Stance
- The ministry of defense rejected documents at the SCO defense ministers’ forum that did not condemn cross-border terrorism.
- The BRICS Joint Declaration, post the summit in Brazil, condemned the Jammu and Kashmir terrorist attack, a first for BRICS.
- This reflects India's proactive stance on combating terrorism and addressing Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
Past BRICS declarations did not specifically address terrorism in India, but this recent change marks a new consensus between India and China in a multilateral context.
Economic and Political Challenges
- The adverse trade balance with China and lack of market access affect Indian public and political opinions.
- Concerns over restrictions on Chinese exports of critical materials to India, such as rare earth magnets for EVs, affect economic relations.
Historical and Ideological Differences
- China's historical view of India, influenced by Marxist ideology, overlooked India's peace-oriented ethos.
- Chinese suspicion about India's ties with the US and its involvement in the Quad is evident.
Regional Influence and Challenges
- China's "all-weather friendship" with Pakistan affects its bilateral relations with India.
- India's non-participation in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is due to sovereignty concerns over the CPEC passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
- Lack of consultation and transparency in China's regional presence, including in the Indian Ocean, raises misgivings.
Core Concerns and Mutual Respect
- Equality and mutual respect should underpin India-China relations, but China's demands for India to adhere to the One China principle are not reciprocated on issues important to India, like Jammu & Kashmir.
While positive signs in India-China relations are promising, the significant trust deficit requires sustained efforts. A stable and cooperative relationship is crucial, despite the arduous path ahead.
