Strengthening China-India Relations

Source-This post on Strengthening China-India Relations has been created based on the article “The five guidelines to a Dragon-Elephant tango” published in “The Hindu” on 3 August 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2-Internation Relations- India and its Neighborhood.

Context– The 17th Chinese Ambassador to India recently arrived in New Delhi and presented his credentials to Indian President. During his first three months, he met with Indian leaders, visited two states, and witnessed India’s vibrant culture and strong public support for China-India relations.

China and India, with their rich history of cultural exchange and shared aspirations, now have one of the world’s most important relationships. President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi agree that the two nations are partners, not rivals. Xi believes their united voice will be powerful globally, and Indian PM sees them as “two bodies with one spirit.”

What are the “Five Mutuals” Framework for enhancing bilateral relations between India and China?

The “Five Mutuals,” an extension of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence that aligns with India’s principles of “mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interests”.

1) Mutual Respect- Acknowledging cultural differences and respecting each other’s development paths, social systems, and global role are important for fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.

2) Mutual Understanding- Both nations have supported each other’s struggles for independence and share common goals. China supports India’s strategic autonomy and recognizes the effort required for national development.

3) Mutual Trust -Approaching our relations from a strategic perspective, avoiding mutual suspicion and conflict, and committing to peaceful coexistence and dispute resolution are essential for fostering a strong partnership.

4) Mutual Accommodation -It’s important to address differences through dialogue and find mutually acceptable solutions. Our relationship is broad and should not be defined by individual disputes, nor should our cooperation be disrupted by isolated incidents.

Read More- India’s Strategic Challenges in the Face of China’s Rise

5) Mutual Accomplishment – Recognizing our shared goals as emerging economies, China’s reform efforts, and support for India’s “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision highlight our mutual desire for development and global cooperation.

Question for practice

What are the “Five Mutuals” Framework for enhancing bilateral relations between India and China?