[Answered] China remains India’s primary strategic challenge due to a lack of interest convergence. Examine the foreign policy and strategic imperatives for India in managing this long-term geopolitical rivalry.

Introduction

India and China, two rising Asian powers, share deep civilizational ties yet remain locked in a structural rivalry. Divergent interests, unresolved borders, and strategic competition make China India’s foremost challenge.

Why China remains India’s primary strategic challenge

1. Unresolved boundary dispute and military standoffs: Despite multiple rounds of talks, the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains disputed. Galwan (2020) and persistent Chinese incursions in Eastern Ladakh highlight mistrust and militarization.
2. Asymmetric economic and military power: China’s economy ($18 trillion GDP) and defence budget ($230 billion) dwarf India’s (~$4.1 trillion GDP, ~$73 billion defence budget), limiting India’s bargaining power.
3. Geopolitical divergence: China’s close ties with Pakistan (CPEC through PoK), Belt and Road Initiative, and growing footprint in South Asia and the Indian Ocean threaten India’s sphere of influence.
4. Limited interest convergence: While both are in BRICS, SCO, and RIC formats, divergences dominate — trade imbalance (~$100 billion deficit), border tensions, and opposing positions on Indo-Pacific.
5. Technology and security concerns: Cyber intrusions, rare earths dominance, and critical technology supply chains (e.g., semiconductors, telecom) raise vulnerabilities.

Foreign policy imperatives for India

1. Pursue strategic autonomy with diversified partnerships: Maintain RIC dialogue but deepen Quad ties (with US, Japan, Australia) and G7 outreach to counterbalance Beijing. Strengthen strategic ties with Russia despite US pressures, leveraging energy and defence.
2. Leverage multilateral platforms and norms: Use BRICS, SCO for dialogue, but push for rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. Engage ASEAN and IORA to strengthen maritime diplomacy and connectivity.
3. Strengthen deterrence and border infrastructure: Accelerate projects like the Border Roads Organisation’s advanced connectivity along the LAC, deploy ISR and satellite assets, and modernise forces (Agni-5 test, Tejas Mk1A). Indigenisation through Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat to reduce dependency on Chinese supply chains.
4. Economic resilience and technological capability: Diversify trade and investment partners, incentivise domestic manufacturing in electronics, critical minerals, and defence. Invest in AI, cybersecurity, space, and critical tech partnerships with the West and East Asia.
5. Engage China where possible, manage conflict where necessary: Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), military-to-military hotlines, and dialogue mechanisms can avoid escalation. Explore selective cooperation on climate change, multilateral finance (AIIB, NDB), and public health.

Strategic imperatives at home

1. Political and economic unity: Domestic cohesion and economic reform enhance credibility abroad.
2. Defence-industrial reform: Private sector, FDI liberalisation, and R&D to build credible deterrence.

Conclusion

India-China relations will remain marked by competition more than cooperation. Managing this rivalry needs a mix of deterrence, dialogue, partnerships, and domestic strength to safeguard India’s sovereignty and strategic autonomy.