India and China Strengthening Trust and Cooperation

Source: The post India and China Strengthening Trust and Cooperation has been created, based on the article “An India-China reset needs bold and new thinking” published in “The Hindu” on 26th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2– International Relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Context: The article emphasizes peaceful dispute resolution and cooperation between India and China. It highlights the need for trust-building, mutual respect, and collaborative efforts in trade, diplomacy, and global issues. It proposes actionable steps for better relations and mutual growth.

For detailed information on Strengthening China-India Relations read this article here

How Have India and China Handled Past Disputes?

1. India and China peacefully resolved the 2020 Galwan Valley standoff.
2. Leaders Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping lent political authority to a disengagement agreement.
3. The agreement was reached after multiple diplomatic and military discussions.
4. This prevented the violent confrontation from escalating into a larger conflict.
5. The Line of Actual Control was stabilized, ensuring peace.
6. Both leaders demonstrated maturity in conflict resolution.
7. The resolution shows their ability to prioritize dialogue over hostility.
8. Trust-building steps, such as these, set a precedent for managing future disputes constructively.

What Challenges Do India-China Relations Face?

1. Unsettled Boundary Disputes: The Line of Actual Control remains a contentious issue, with the potential for future clashes, as seen in the 2020 Galwan Valley incident.
2. Mutual Distrust: India suspects China’s alliance with Pakistan and its stance on Kashmir-related terrorism. Beijing views India’s involvement in the Quad as a threat.
3. Trade Imbalance: India’s trade deficit with China is significant, though China can address this by importing more Indian goods.
4. Limited Engagement: In 2023, China issued visas to 200,000 Indians, but India issued fewer than 10,000 to Chinese nationals.
5. Geopolitical Tensions: Anti-China narratives in Indian media and India’s deviations from the “One China” policy strain ties.

Why Should India and China Cooperate?

1. Economic Benefits: India’s large market can boost China’s slowing economy, while China’s technology can aid India’s development goals.
2. Global South Unity: Joint efforts can help underdeveloped nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
3. Global Stability: Cooperation can address global issues like the Russia-Ukraine war and the West Asian crisis.

What Are Immediate Steps to Build Trust?

1. Resume Flights: Restart direct flights suspended during COVID-19 to increase connectivity.
2. Issue More Visas: India issued less than 10,000 visas to Chinese nationals in 2023, while China issued over 200,000 to Indians.
3. Reinstate Journalists: Reverse decisions leading to the exit of journalists from both countries to improve communication.
4. Lift App Bans: Allow Chinese apps like WeChat, banned after the Galwan clash, to enhance digital interaction.
5. Boost Trade: Reduce the trade deficit by importing more from India and fostering Chinese investments, as suggested by India’s Chief Economic Adviser.

What’s the Vision for 2025?

A breakthrough year can be achieved through high-level visits by leaders. Mutual trust, stronger trade ties, and cooperation on global issues can redefine India-China relations, benefiting both nations and the world.

Question for practice:

Discuss the immediate steps India and China can take to build trust and strengthen their relationship.