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India-China Resume Bilateral Engagements with Focus on Rebuilding Trust and People-Centric Initiatives

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(Source – Indian Express, Section – Cover Page – Page No. – 01)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations
Context
● India and China have agreed to several measures to rebuild bilateral ties post-disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

 Analysis of the news:

Resumption of Bilateral Engagements

  • Measures include resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in summer 2025, restarting direct flights, issuing visas for journalists and think tanks, and discussing trans-border river data sharing.
  • These steps aim to enhance people-to-people exchanges and stabilize relations after years of strained diplomacy.

High-Level Diplomatic Engagements

  • The breakthrough came after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s meetings with Chinese officials, including Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
  • These talks followed discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in October 2023 during the BRICS Summit, signaling efforts to address lingering tensions while prioritizing areas of mutual interest.

Border Issue: An Underlying Concern

  • Although the Indian statement made no explicit mention of the border standoff, it hinted at addressing “priority areas of interest and concern” step by step.
  • The absence of specific timelines or pathways for de-escalation along the LAC indicates a cautious approach to the unresolved border situation, underscoring its centrality in bilateral relations.

Building Mutual Trust and Confidence

  • Both sides acknowledged the importance of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025 as an opportunity to strengthen public diplomacy.
  • Commemorative activities and initiatives to rebuild trust are expected to address the erosion of mutual confidence since the 2020 incursions.

Contrasting Diplomatic Narratives

  • China’s Foreign Ministry emphasized avoiding “mutual suspicion, estrangement, and exhaustion,” contrasting with India’s stance of “mutual respect, sensitivity, and interests,” as reiterated by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
  • This divergence in diplomatic framing reflects differing priorities and approaches to repairing ties.

Geopolitical Implications

  • China highlighted the broader significance of improved India-China relations, linking them to the interests of the Global South and regional stability.
  • Both nations recognize the potential impact of their relationship on global peace and prosperity, underscoring the need for pragmatic collaboration despite existing challenges.

Conclusion

  • The resumption of bilateral engagements between India and China marks a cautious step toward repairing strained ties.
  • While people-centric initiatives and public diplomacy efforts offer hope, unresolved border tensions and divergent narratives underscore the complexities in rebuilding trust and fostering long-term stability.
      What Measures can India Adopt to Balance its Relations with China? 
Economic Diversification and Self-Reliance: India should continue expanding its PLI scheme to reduce critical sector dependencies.

Strategic Military Modernization: Accelerate military infrastructure development along the LAC, including 73 strategic roads and advanced landing grounds.

Regional Leadership Enhancement: Strengthen partnerships with neighboring countries through increased development assistance and infrastructure projects.

Diplomatic Engagement Strategy: Maintain dialogue through multiple channels while standing firm on core interests.

Economic Leverage Development: Identify and utilize Indian market strengths in negotiations with China.

Maritime Strategy Enhancement: Strengthen naval capabilities and presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

PYQ: “Belt and Road Initiative” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of : (2016)

(a) African Union

(b) Brazil

(c) European Union

(d) China

Ans: D

Practice Question:  Examine the recent measures taken by India and China to rebuild bilateral relations post-LAC disengagement. Discuss the challenges in addressing unresolved border issues and their implications for regional stability and global geopolitics. (250 Words /15 marks)

For more such UPSC related Current Affairs, Check Out –Trump’s Greenland Gambit: A Geopolitical Power Play to Counter China in the Arctic

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