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India China Relations Note

India and China, two ancient civilizations, share a complex relationship characterized by strategic competition and border tensions, particularly along the undemarcated Line of Actual Control (LAC). Despite ongoing conflicts, such as the Galwan clash, economic interdependence persists, with significant trade imbalances favoring China. India is actively pushing back through multilateral forums, strategic partnerships, and initiatives aimed at enhancing self-reliance and countering China's influence.

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Abhay Pasalkar
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51 views2 pages

India China Relations Note

India and China, two ancient civilizations, share a complex relationship characterized by strategic competition and border tensions, particularly along the undemarcated Line of Actual Control (LAC). Despite ongoing conflicts, such as the Galwan clash, economic interdependence persists, with significant trade imbalances favoring China. India is actively pushing back through multilateral forums, strategic partnerships, and initiatives aimed at enhancing self-reliance and countering China's influence.

Uploaded by

Abhay Pasalkar
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India-China Relations: Beyond Doklam and Galwan

IndiaChina Relations: Beyond Doklam and Galwan

I. INTRODUCTION: Civilizational Neighbours in a Strategic Standoff


India and Chinatwo ancient civilizations and emerging Asian powersshare a complex relationship marked by
competitive coexistence. From Panchsheel to Galwan, their dynamic oscillates between cooperation and
contestation.
India and China are civilizational states whose interests will intersect, diverge, and occasionally clash.
Shivshankar Menon

II. STRATEGIC COMPETITION & BORDER TENSIONS


A. LAC and Boundary Disputes
- 3,488 km undemarcated Line of Actual Control (LAC)
- Doklam (2017): India resisted Chinese road near Bhutan trijunction
- Galwan (2020): 20 Indian soldiers martyred; first fatalities in 45 years

B. Post-Galwan Developments
- 21 rounds of Corps Commander talks (till 2024); no full disengagement
- Indias BRO projects + Vibrant Villages (2023-24)
- Chinas Xiaokang model villages near LAC

III. INDIAS PUSHBACK


A. Belt & Road Initiative (BRI)
- India rejects BRI over sovereignty (CPEC in PoK)
- Advocated for IMEC corridor in G20 (2023)

B. Multilateral Forums
| Forum | Indias Role | Chinas Role |
|-------|--------------|--------------|
| SCO | Hosted 2023 virtual summit | China-Pak axis |
| BRICS | Reform advocate | China drives expansion |
| QUAD | Maritime cooperation | China dubs Asian NATO |

Indias multilateralism is instrumental in containing Chinas leverage. C. Raja Mohan

IV. ECONOMIC INTERDEPENDENCE & TRADE IMBALANCE


- 2023-24 bilateral trade: $136.2 bn (Exports: $16.7 bn, Imports: $119.5 bn)
- Trade deficit: ~$103 bn
Despite Galwan, trade remains upward a paradox of conflict and commerce. Harsh V. Pant

Indias Response:
- Banned 300+ Chinese apps
- PLI schemes for tech self-reliance
- Excluded Huawei from 5G trials

V. NON-TRADITIONAL CONTESTS
| Sector | Arena |
|--------|-------|
| Digital | Cyber ops, TikTok, Huawei |
| Space | Lunar missions, satellite race |
| Indian Ocean | SAGAR vs String of Pearls |
| South Asia | Nepal, Sri Lanka outreach |
| Global South | Competing for G77 leadership |

VI. KEY CHALLENGES


1. Chinas refusal to restore 2020 status quo at LAC
2. Strategic asymmetry (economy, military)
3. Distrust in multilateral forums
4. China-Pakistan strategic alignment

VII. INDIAS STRATEGIC TOOLKIT


- QUAD + I2U2 partnerships
- Defense diversification: France, Israel, Russia, US
- Digital diplomacy via India Stack
- Counter-BRI coalitions (IMEC)

VIII. CONCLUSION: Guarded Confrontation, Calibrated Engagement


India-China relations are unlikely to normalize quickly. India seeks strategic autonomy while balancing
sovereignty and engagement.
India must neither be intimidated by Chinas rise nor be drawn into confrontation by others. Shyam Saran

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