India is facing challenge of China’s aggressive stance but this challenge has also provided India an opportunity to strengthen itself internationally and domestically. Discuss.

The relation of China-India is indeed a peculiar one; though sharing interactions for over 3000 years, we know little about each other & this can be attributed to the present misgivings.

Pinch Points with China:

  • Occupied region of Aksai-Chin & Shaksgham glacier.
  • Border issues in Himachal Pradesh.
  • Clash in Arunachal Pradesh & issue of stapled visa.
  • Human rights violation in Tibet, Taiwan & Hongkong.
  • Incarceration of Uyghur muslims in Xinjiang province.
  • Bids to foil India’s efforts to designate Lakhvi & Masood Azhar as international terrorists.
  • Aggressive stance in the IOR (strings of pearls).
  • China’s BRI & use of debt-trap diplomacy. Also, CPEC and Hambantota port in Sri Lanka.
  • Inciting neighbours such as Nepal to take on India. Even Bhutan followed a soft-glove approach in Doklam stand-off.
  • Opposition to UNSC reforms, IPR issues & disregard for trade laws.

Opportunities for India:

  • India acting as a net security provider in IOR via SAGAR initiative.
  • QUAD grouping of Australia, India, Japan & USA for naval & maritime security.
  • Sri Lanka still a firm ally of India.
  • Blue-Dot network to counter China’s policies.
  • Black listing of Pakistan by FATF despite China opposing the move.
  • Aatmanirbhar Bharat & reduction of China imports.

Way forward:

India must utilize the opportunity to strengthen itself only then power balance can happen and peace can prevail in the region.

Originally written on November 6, 2023 and last modified on October 27, 2024.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *