India and China mark 75 years of complex ties

Source: The post India and China mark 75 years of complex ties has been created, based on the article “India, China at 75 — a time for strategy, not sentiment” published in “The Hindu” on 22 April 2025. India and China mark 75 years of complex ties.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International Relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Context: As India and China mark 75 years of diplomatic ties, their relationship stands at a critical juncture. Past visions of Asian solidarity have given way to strategic rivalry, border tensions, and economic interdependence—all shaped by shifting global power dynamics.

For detailed information on India and China Strengthening Trust and Cooperation read this article here

Geopolitical Rivalry and Border Tensions

1. China as a Key Strategic Factor: China is now the central external force shaping India’s foreign policy—from defence planning to trade decisions. This “China lens” requires balancing sovereignty, deterrence, and engagement.
2. Persistent Military Standoff: The 1962 war and the 2020 Galwan clash deepened mistrust. The Line of Actual Control remains tense and heavily militarised. India has deployed over 60,000 troops in Eastern Ladakh, while both sides continue infrastructure expansion.
3. South Asia as a Contest Arena: China’s growing role in India’s neighbourhood—via ports, loans, and connectivity projects—challenges India’s traditional leadership. India is responding with aid, defence partnerships, and crisis support, but it needs a long-term, proactive strategy beyond headlines.

Economic Interdependence and Strategic Coexistence

1. Trade Paradox and Limits of Decoupling: Despite political tensions, China is one of India’s top trading partners, with a $100 billion trade imbalance in 2024–25. India has restricted apps and investments, yet depends on China for key components like pharmaceuticals and electronics. Complete decoupling is not viable in the near future.
2. Competitive Coexistence as a Strategy: India engages China on multilateral platforms like BRICS and SCO, while strengthening ties with Quad members. This strategy of calibrated competition and selective cooperation helps maintain strategic autonomy and reduce direct confrontation.

Shifting Narratives and Regional Influence

1. Narratives as Tools of Strategy: Recent remarks by Bangladesh’s interim leader in Beijing—describing India’s northeast as landlocked—though factually correct, raised alarms in Delhi. This underlines how China shapes regional narratives and why India must focus on infrastructure, trust-building, and communication.
2. Water Security and New Frontiers of Mistrust: China’s planned dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) near Arunachal Pradesh has triggered concerns over water manipulation. There is no water-sharing treaty, and transparency remains low, making water a new domain of strategic tension.

Diplomatic Openings and the U.S. Factor

1. Tentative Rapprochement: PM Modi’s podcast remarks in 2025 on India-China synergy were well-received in Beijing. Progress includes resumed LAC patrolling, talks on hydrological data, and potential reopening of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. These are early signs of a measured thaw.
2. Managing U.S.-China Tensions: With Donald Trump back in the White House, U.S.-China rivalry has intensified. India may face pressure to side with Washington, especially in the Indo-Pacific. But strategic autonomy remains India’s guiding principle, helping it avoid becoming a proxy player in global rivalries.

Question for practice:

Examine how India is balancing strategic rivalry and economic interdependence in its relationship with China.