GEOPOLITICS: ISSUES IN INDIA–CHINA RELATIONSHIP

ISSUES IN INDIA–CHINA RELATIONSHIP

Understanding a Complex and Evolving Geopolitical Rivalry

India and China—two ancient civilizations, two Asian giants, and the world’s most populous nations—share a relationship that is as deep as it is difficult. Their ties have oscillated between cooperation and confrontation, shaped by history, geography, economics, and strategic ambition. Today, the India–China relationship is one of the most consequential in global geopolitics, influencing the balance of power in Asia and beyond. Yet it remains fraught with unresolved issues.

1. The Border Dispute: The Heart of the Tensions

The single biggest challenge between India and China is the unresolved boundary question spanning nearly 3,500 km. The border is divided into three sectors—Western (Ladakh), Middle (Uttarakhand–Himachal), and Eastern (Arunachal Pradesh).

China claims Arunachal Pradesh as “South Tibet.”

Aksai Chin, currently under Chinese control.

The 1962 war left a deep scar on India’s national psyche. Though both sides have held dozens of rounds of military and diplomatic talks, incidents continue to flare up. The 2017 Doklam standoff and the 2020 Galwan Valley clash—where lives were lost for the first time in 45 years—have sharply eroded trust. The militarisation of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) continues, making the border a perpetual flashpoint.

2. Strategic Rivalry in the Indo-Pacific

India views China’s growing military presence in the Indian Ocean and its assertiveness in East and South China Seas with unease. Meanwhile, China sees India’s growing ties with the US, Japan, and Australia—especially through the Quad—as part of a strategy to contain its rise.

Both countries aspire to leadership roles in Asia. This natural overlap fuels competition:

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) seeks to expand its influence across Eurasia and the Indian Ocean.

India objects to the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

This strategic tug-of-war shapes many of the other issues between them.

3. China–Pakistan Nexus: A Major Security Concern for India

China’s all-weather partnership with Pakistan is a long-standing irritant. Massive Chinese investments in Pakistan’s infrastructure, economy, and military have strengthened Islamabad’s strategic position. From nuclear cooperation in the past to current military supplies and CPEC projects, China’s support for Pakistan is seen in New Delhi as aimed at containing India.

India worries about a possible “two-front” threat—Chinese pressure in the north and Pakistani hostility in the west.

4. Trade Imbalance and Economic Dependence

Despite political tensions, trade between India and China has grown dramatically. However, it is heavily imbalanced:

China is India’s largest trading partner.

India imports far more from China than it exports, leading to a large deficit.

Chinese goods dominate sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, solar equipment, and telecom. This dependence is viewed as a strategic vulnerability. India has been trying to diversify supply chains and promote domestic manufacturing, but reducing reliance on China remains a long-term challenge.

5. The Technology and Cyber Domain

Concerns over Chinese digital influence have grown in recent years. India has banned hundreds of Chinese apps citing national security. There are also fears of:

Cyber intrusions targeting strategic infrastructure

Espionage via telecom networks

Potential vulnerabilities if Chinese technology becomes widely embedded in Indian systems

Tech rivalry is fast becoming a major new battleground.

6. Water Security and the Himalayan Rivers

China, being the upper riparian of several major rivers that flow into India, wields significant hydrological leverage. India is concerned about Chinese dams on the Brahmaputra and other transboundary rivers, fearing reduced water flow or long-term ecological impacts. While China denies harmful intent, transparency remains limited.

7. Competing Visions for Asia

At the philosophical level, India promotes a multipolar, rule-based Asian order. China, with its rapidly expanding economic and military power, increasingly seeks a dominant role in shaping the region. These competing visions sometimes lead to friction in regional forums—from BRICS and SCO to the UN.

Conclusion: Competition with Cautious Cooperation

India and China cannot escape geography. Nor can they ignore each other’s rise. The relationship will likely remain a complex mixture of rivalry and cooperation. For India, the challenge is to protect its security interests, strengthen its economy, and manage competition without letting tensions spiral into conflict.

Stability in the India–China relationship is not just an Asian priority—it is a global necessity. How these two giants manage their differences will influence the future of the 21st century.

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