As India and China mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for an ‘elephant-dragon tango,’ signifying a vision of harmonious cooperation between the two Asian giants. However, the historical trajectory of India-China ties has been anything but smooth, oscillating between partnership and confrontation. From the Panchasheel Agreement to the Indo-China War of 1962, the Galwan conflict of 2020, and the ongoing border disputes, the relationship has been fraught with challenges. Despite these tensions, the two nations have established mechanisms for dispute resolution and continue to explore avenues for collaboration. This editorial examines the evolution of India-China ties, key flashpoints, and the prospects for future cooperation.
Historical Background: From Friendship to Friction
The India-China relationship has deep historical roots, dating back to ancient times when trade and cultural exchanges flourished along the Silk Route. Buddhism traveled from India to China, fostering spiritual and intellectual linkages. However, the modern bilateral relationship began with the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1950, just months after India recognized the People’s Republic of China. This period was marked by camaraderie, encapsulated in the slogan ‘Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai' (Indians and Chinese are brothers).
The Panchasheel Treaty: Aspirations for Peace
A significant milestone in early India-China relations was the Panchasheel Agreement, signed in 1954 between Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Premier Zhou Enlai. The treaty, formally known as the Agreement on Trade and Intercourse between Tibet and India, laid out five principles for peaceful coexistence:
Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Mutual non-aggression.
Mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
Equality and mutual benefit.
Peaceful coexistence.
While the treaty aimed to set a framework for stable relations, its spirit was short-lived as geopolitical tensions escalated.
The Indo-Sino War of 1962: A Bitter Reality Check
The honeymoon phase of India-China ties ended abruptly in 1962 when border disputes led to a full-scale war. China launched an offensive in October 1962, advancing into Aksai Chin in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh (then NEFA). India was ill-prepared for the conflict, and the war ended with a unilateral Chinese ceasefire, leaving Aksai Chin under Chinese control. The war created deep mistrust and diplomatic relations remained frozen for years.
The Galwan Clash of 2020: A New Era of Confrontation
While both countries made efforts to normalize relations post-1962, tensions persisted, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The 2020 Galwan Valley clash marked the most significant military confrontation in decades, resulting in casualties on both sides. The clash, which involved brutal hand-to-hand combat with iron rods and stones, saw 20 Indian soldiers and an undisclosed number of Chinese troops losing their lives. This incident reignited hostility and led to a series of military standoffs. The escalation prompted India to enhance its military presence along the LAC, banning Chinese apps, tightening trade restrictions and reinforcing strategic alliances. China, on the other hand, fortified its infrastructure along the border, further straining ties.
Struggle for Influence in Indo-Pacific and Africa
Beyond their direct confrontations, India and China are locked in a broader strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific and Africa. China's aggressive posturing in the South China Sea, its expansion of military bases (such as in Djibouti), and its growing influence in small island nations challenge India's regional security concerns. To counterbalance China, India has deepened its engagement with the Quad (comprising the U.S., Japan, Australia and India) and expanded its naval presence in the Indian Ocean.
In Africa, both countries compete for economic influence. While China has poured billions into infrastructure projects under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), India has focused on capacity building, trade partnerships and people-centric development. Unlike China's debt-driven investments, India’s approach is seen as more sustainable, aligning with African nations' aspirations for self-reliance.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and India’s Sovereignty Concerns
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013, has been a major irritant in India-China relations. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key part of BRI, runs through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), directly violating India’s sovereignty. India has consistently opposed BRI, arguing that it undermines territorial integrity and creates debt traps for smaller nations. The BRI’s expansion into South Asia, including projects in Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh, further complicates India’s regional strategic calculus.
Mechanisms for Dispute Resolution
Despite persistent tensions, India and China have established diplomatic and military mechanisms to manage disputes and prevent escalation:
Special Representatives Mechanism (2003) – Established to explore a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable solution to the border dispute.
Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (2012) – Aimed at maintaining peace and tranquility along the LAC.
Border Personnel Meetings (BPMs) – Conducted at multiple points to facilitate direct military communication.
Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) – Agreements such as the 1993 Peace and Tranquility Agreement and the 1996 Agreement on Military Confidence-Building Measures to avoid direct military confrontations.
While these mechanisms have helped in de-escalation, they have not resolved the fundamental border dispute, which remains a major source of friction.
Future Prospects: Can the ‘Elephant’ and ‘Dragon’ Truly Tango?
Despite historical tensions, both countries have compelling reasons to engage in pragmatic cooperation:
Economic Ties: China is one of India’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade exceeding $100 billion. While trade is largely imbalanced in China’s favor, economic interdependence remains a crucial factor for engagement.
Regional Stability: As two nuclear-armed neighbors, stability in India-China relations is essential for broader regional security, particularly in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
Global Governance: Both nations are key players in BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and other multilateral forums, where cooperation is mutually beneficial.
Climate Change and Technological Collaboration: Joint efforts in renewable energy, climate change initiatives, and digital economies could unlock new areas of cooperation.
However, fundamental challenges remain, including China’s aggressive posturing in the Indo-Pacific, India’s growing ties with the U.S., and China’s strategic nexus with Pakistan. Unless both nations find a sustainable path to resolve their territorial disputes, true reconciliation will remain elusive.
Conclusion: A Relationship at Crossroads
Seventy-five years of India-China relations have been marked by both moments of optimism and deep crises. While President Xi’s call for an ‘elephant-dragon tango’ suggests a desire for engagement, the reality of the bilateral relationship remains complex. For India and China to achieve genuine stability, both nations must move beyond rhetoric and address their core disputes with sincerity. Until then, the India-China relationship will continue to oscillate between competition and cautious cooperation.