Source: The post Indo-China Relation has been created, based on the article “A reconnection in Tianjin” published in “Indian Express” on 01st September 2025.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Context: The bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin has generated global attention.
Positive Outcomes of the Tianjin Meeting
- Political Endorsement: Both leaders welcomed “positive momentum” in ties and progress since their last meeting in Kazan (2024).
- Recommitment to Dialogue: They agreed to maintain peace and tranquillity along the border and recognised the efforts of the Special Representatives.
- Strategic Symbolism: The idea of a “cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant” was invoked, signalling the need for coexistence.
- Resumption of Stability: The meeting eased tensions after the Galwan clash and years of strained ties, offering hope for restoring stability.
Challenges
- Border Dispute: The border dispute continues to remain a “work in progress,” with both countries seeking to manage rather than resolve the contentious issue.
- China’s Strategic Posture: Beijing’s adversarial policies since 1962, its shifting alliances during the Cold War and its tactical engagement strategies continue to pose challenges for India.
- Trade and Strategic Tensions: India has been impacted by U.S.A. tariffs and remains caught in the larger U.S.A–China trade rivalry, while China remains wary of India’s participation in the Quad and its growing involvement in the Indo-Pacific strategies.
- Trust Deficit: The relationship has witnessed long periods of breakdown in dialogue, such as the freeze following the 2008 nuclear deal after a phase of rapprochement between 1988 and 2005, which shows the fragility of engagement.
Geopolitical Context
- Contrapolar World: Rising powers like India and China face complex contradictions in navigating USA–China rivalry.
- India’s Strategic Balancing: India needs to reaffirm ties with Japan, USA, Russia, and others. Also, India should avoid being pulled into exclusive blocs that may antagonise Beijing unnecessarily.
Way Forward
- Sustain Border Dialogue: Both sides should continue talks through Special Representatives to gradually reduce tensions.
- Promote Economic Engagement: Expanding trade and investment can create interdependence and reduce hostility.
- Leverage Multilateral Forums: Platforms like SCO, BRICS, and G20 can be used to build trust and manage competition.
- Calibrated Strategic Approach: India should engage China where possible while simultaneously strengthening ties with other partners like the US, Japan, and ASEAN to maintain balance.
- Confidence-Building Measures: Enhanced people-to-people exchanges, military hotlines, and cultural diplomacy can reduce mistrust.
Question: India-China meeting makes progress, but border issues remain a challenge. Comment.
