India–China Relations (English)

International Relations

1. Historical Background

Ancient Ties: Cultural, religious, and trade exchanges (Buddhism, Silk Route).
Post-1947: India was among the first to recognize the People’s Republic of China (1949).
Panchsheel Agreement (1954): Mutual respect for sovereignty, non-interference, and peaceful coexistence.

2. Major Disputes

Border Dispute: Aksai Chin (Ladakh) occupied by China after the 1962 war; Arunachal Pradesh claimed by China as ‘South Tibet’.
1962 War: China attacked India, captured Aksai Chin; major setback.
Doklam Standoff (2017): India opposed Chinese road construction at tri-junction.
Galwan Valley Clash (2020): First fatalities in 45 years, worsened relations.
Border infrastructure race continues.

3. Cooperation & Agreements

Trade: China is India’s largest trading partner though trade deficit is large.
Multilateral Forums: Cooperation in BRICS, SCO, RIC.
Wuhan Summit (2018), Chennai Summit (2019): Informal diplomacy.
Cultural Links: Buddhism, yoga, student exchanges.

4. Current Status (2017–2024)

Relations deteriorated after Doklam (2017) and Galwan (2020).
India banned many Chinese apps, restricted FDI citing security concerns.
Border disengagement talks ongoing but trust deficit persists.
Trade continues but deficit heavily in China’s favour.

5. Challenges

Unresolved border disputes.
China–Pakistan axis through CPEC in PoK.
Strategic rivalry in the Indo-Pacific.
Chinese influence in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives.
Economic imbalance with high imports from China.

6. Way Forward