Context: Recently, the Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs told the Parliament that India and China ties are set in the direction of improvement. He credited continuous diplomatic engagement and a step-by-step approach with China in achieving disengagement at the border; the situation which had been abnormal since 2020.
Relevance of the Topic: Mains: India and its Neighbourhood: India-China Relations.
Recent Developments:
- In an agreement announced on 21 October 2024, the Indian Army, and People’s Liberation Army (PLA) forces agreed to disengage troops at Demchok and Depsang and proceed towards de-escalating tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
- As a result of this recent understanding, the disengagement from all friction points at the LAC has now been fully achieved. The next priority is de-escalation, or the withdrawal of troops from the area, along with management of border areas.
India-China Special Representative Mechanism:
- India-China Special Representative Mechanism was constituted in 2003 to comprehensively address the vexed dispute of the India-China border spanning 3488 km. The SRs mechanism over the years had met 22 times till 2019.
- Recently, the Special Representatives from both sides met after five years (December 2024) to discuss various issues like discussing border issues, affirming outcome of LAC disengagement, restoration of bilateral ties, discussions regarding resumption of Man Sarovar yatra and to discuss border trade.
However, Critics argue that some Key Issues are Remaining:
- Terms of disengagement: There is no definitive information on terms of disengagement in Depsang and Demchok along with uncertainty over Indian troops resuming patrolling at traditional points (Depsang Plains, Charding La, CNN junction).
- Patrolling dynamics: Extent of Chinese patrols on the Indian side of the LAC remain unanswered, similarly:
- The concept of coordinated patrolling and its impact on Indian patrol size and frequency.
- Effects of temporary and limited steps on Indian patrol access and grazing grounds.
- Concerns regarding status quo: Despite the government’s stance, the status quo along the border appears altered by China since April 2020. Various military experts indicate restricted access to traditional patrolling points.
- Buffer Zones and Territorial Impact: Creation of buffer zones has territorial implications for India. There is a need to prioritize restoring status quo ante for patrolling and grazing.
- Eastern sector concerns: Reports of Chinese patrols in Yangtse (Arunachal Pradesh) have not been addressed.
- Policy Consistency: While the Army reiterates the need for April 2020 status quo, the MEA no longer mentions restoration of status quo ante, which could risk China’s grey-zone advancements.
Significance of Stable Relations with China:
- Enhanced Border Stability: De-escalation would prevent future clashes & allow resources to be diverted to developmental priorities.
- Economic Interests:
- A stable relationship is crucial as China is India's largest trading partner and 3rd largest export market.
- 2/3rd of India’s total Active Pharma Ingredients is sourced from China.
- Energy Security:
- Cooperation with China is necessary to receive hydrological information of transborder rivers (Brahmaputra) to secure India’s Hydroelectric potential.
- Being two major importers of oil in Asia, their cooperation would increase their bargaining power to avoid “Asian Premium”.
- China controls ~90% of global rare-earth metals production. >80% of Solar modules and cells are imported from China. They are crucial to emerging technologies (renewable energy and electric vehicles).
- Geopolitical Leverage:
- China’s support is necessary for India’s Nuclear Suppliers Group membership.
- Resolving disputes boosts India’s credibility, enhancing its bid for permanent UNSC seat.
- Counterbalancing Western Dominance:
- India and China can challenge Western hegemony, pushing for reforms in WTO, IMF, and UN.
- It could promote balance of power within Asia and deter aggressive policies by the West.
Way Forward:
- Strengthen diplomatic dialogue: India should prioritise continuous diplomatic dialogues with China to solidify the agreements reached and prevent future escalations and misunderstandings.
- Enhance border infrastructure and defence preparedness: India should invest in improving border infrastructure and logistics to support troop mobility and supply lines.
- Transparency and consensus-based decisions: There is a need for greater transparency from the government, at the same time opposition should avoid politicizing the issue and aim for a broad consensus on China policy.
- Past examples (1996 and 2005 agreements) show effective collaboration when Opposition was briefed confidentially.
- Respect consistent position: India’s consistent position is that “the maintenance of peace and tranquility in border areas is a pre-requisite for the development of our ties” which needs to be conveyed.
While challenges persist due to China's assertive policies, sustained diplomatic engagement and strategic preparedness is crucial for securing India’s interests and ensuring regional balance in Asia.