Syllabus: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Context: 2025 marks 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic ties (since April 1, 1950) and 80th anniversary of UN founding.
China-India Relations: Key Milestones
- Xi-Modi met 18 times between 2014-2024 at various bilateral and multilateral forums (BRICS, G-20, SCO).
- October 2024: Meeting at BRICS Kazan summit.
- Current Scenario: Relationship positive; border peace maintained; direct flights resuming.
Global Challenges
- World faces volatility, turbulence, uncertainty.
- Harmful “isms”: Unilateralism, protectionism, isolationism, terrorism, extremism, hegemonism.
- West losing dominance and their is trend toward multipolarity and multilateralism.
Global Governance Initiative (GGI) – Five Principles
1. Sovereign Equality
- All countries’ sovereignty respected regardless of size or wealth.
- Right to choose social system and development path independently.
- Equal participation in global governance.
- Greater democracy in international relations reflecting developing countries’ interests.
2. International Rule of Law
- UN Charter principles are basic norms of international relations.
- International law applied equally without double standards.
- Major countries must lead in defending international rule of law.
3. Multilateralism
- Global affairs decided by all; governance system built by all; fruits shared by all.
- UN is core platform for multilateralism; its role must be enhanced.
4. People-Centered Approach
- People are fundamental actors in global governance.
- Focus on wellbeing through common development, safety, and common interests.
5. Real Results
- Resolve real problems; address root causes and symptoms.
- Developed countries provide resources and public goods.
- Developing countries pull together for strength.
GGI Significance
- Major initiative by China addressing global governance deficit.
- Based on UN Charter principles.
- Goal: Make existing international system better respond to global challenges.
- Not meant to overturn existing order but improve it.
Xi’s Four-Point Suggestion for China-India Relation
- Strengthen strategic communication and mutual trust.
- Expand exchanges for mutual benefit.
- Accommodate concerns; maintain peace and harmony.
- Strengthen multilateral coordination for shared interests.
China-India Role in Global Governance
- Both shoulder responsibility for improving peoples’ wellbeing, promoting solidarity of developing countries, advancing human society.
- Partners, not rivals; consensus outweighs disagreement.
- Cooperation makes 21st century genuine Asian century.
- As key SCO and BRICS members, should uphold multilateralism, coordinate on international issues, defend international fairness and justice.
