The year 2025 marks phase in India-China relations. After years of tension following the 2020 Galwan clash, both countries have taken concrete steps to ease border disputes and improve diplomatic ties. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s recent visit to India was the first high-level ministerial trip since the two nations agreed to disengage at the border in late 2024. This visit signals renewed efforts to stabilise relations and encourage cooperation.
Background of India-China Border Tensions
The India-China border saw violent clashes in 2020 at Galwan Valley, resulting in casualties on both sides. This incident disrupted the previously growing rapport between the two nations. Troop deployments surged to nearly 60,000 on each side along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Despite multiple rounds of talks and partial disengagements, tensions remained high for years.
Recent Disengagement and Diplomatic Efforts
By October 2024, both countries agreed to complete troop withdrawals from the last contested areas at Depsang and Demchok. Leaders Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi met in Kazan to reaffirm their commitment to peace. Since then, Indian ministers including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have engaged with Chinese counterparts. Wang Yi’s visit to India reinforced this diplomatic momentum.
Dual-Track Approach to Relations
India and China have resumed a dual-track strategy separating border management from broader bilateral ties. This approach, used since the 1988 Rajiv Gandhi visit, aims to prevent border issues from derailing overall relations. New mechanisms have been established – an Expert Group to explore boundary delimitation, a Working Group for border management, and General Level Mechanisms across eastern, middle, and western sectors of the border.
Border Management and Peace Initiatives
The new structures focus on maintaining peace and tranquillity at the LAC. Both sides agreed to use diplomatic and military channels to discuss de-escalation and border protocols. The emphasis is on a political perspective to resolve border disputes fairly and reasonably, addressing India’s long-standing view that border peace is key to improved ties.
Revival of Bilateral Engagements
Beyond security, India and China are restoring people-to-people and economic links. They plan to resume direct flights, facilitate visas for tourists and business travellers, and reopen border trade at traditional passes like Lipulekh, Shipki La, and Nathu La. Cooperation on trans-border rivers includes sharing hydrological data during emergencies, reflecting humanitarian concerns.
Challenges and Trust Deficit
Despite progress, trust remains fragile. Past incursions and China’s military support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor continue to worry India. The construction of a mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river has raised concerns about water security in downstream state of Indias. India also marks China’s export restrictions on critical materials like rare earths and fertilisers, which affect its development and food security.
Security and Terrorism Concerns
India consistently stresses the need to combat terrorism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism. It recalls the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s foundational goal to fight terrorism. India urges China to address these security concerns seriously to build a durable and trustful partnership.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of border disputes on India-China bilateral relations since 2010 with suitable examples.
- Explain the dual-track approach in India-China relations and assess its effectiveness in maintaining peace and cooperation.
- What are the strategic implications of China’s infrastructure development in Tibet for India’s security? How does this affect regional geopolitics?
- Comment on the role of multilateral organisations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in addressing terrorism and encouraging regional stability in South Asia.
