Why in News: India and China are easing tensions by restarting visas and talks after the 2020 border clash, but major issues remain unresolved.
Since the bilateral summit between PM Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan (October 2024), several high-level engagements have taken place. These developments reflect a cautious diplomatic thaw after years of tension.
Recent Developments:
- People-to-People Exchanges: China reopened the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage, an important religious and cultural link.
- Connectivity: Both nations agreed in principle to revive direct flights; visas for journalists are also expected, signaling growing openness.
- Economic Dialogues: “Functional dialogues” are planned to address key economic friction points such as India’s restrictions on Chinese investments and China’s export restrictions on fertilizers and critical minerals—issues affecting supply chains in India’s tech and automotive sectors.
- Strategic Engagements: Preparations are ongoing for PM Modi’s visit to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in August 2025, highlighting regional cooperation.
Ongoing Challenges and Concerns:
- Border Disputes and Security: Despite dialogue mechanisms, critical issues like troop de-escalation, dismantling of infrastructure in disputed zones, and restoring pre-2020 patrolling remain unresolved.
- Lack of Transparency and Confidence Building: Both sides have largely avoided publicly addressing the causes of the 2020 incursions or providing explicit assurances against future aggression.
- Geopolitical Complications: Operation Sindoor revelations linking the PLA with Pakistan’s military add to India’s security concerns, complicating bilateral ties and public perception.
- Economic Vulnerabilities: China’s export restrictions highlight India’s dependence on critical imports, underscoring the strategic need for economic diversification and autonomy to reduce leverage in bilateral relations.
Way Forward
1. Resolve Border Disputes: Pursue structured disengagement and demilitarization to restore peace along the LAC.
2. Build Trust: Strengthen confidence-building measures with regular, transparent dialogue.
3. Diversify Economy: Reduce dependence on China by diversifying critical supply chains.
4. Regional Cooperation: Leverage multilateral forums like SCO for stability and balance.
5. People-to-People Ties: Promote cultural and educational exchanges to improve relations.
6. Defense Readiness: Maintain vigilant security posture against potential threats.
7. Transparent Policies: Communicate foreign policy clearly to build public trust.
UPSC Relevance:
GS Paper 2 – International Relations
- Bilateral relations between India and its neighbours (India-China).
Mains Practice Question:
Q. While recent diplomatic moves hint at a thaw in India-China relations, fundamental issues continue to persist. Critically examine the recent developments in India-China ties and suggest a balanced approach to manage this complex relationship.