India, China at 75 — a time for strategy, not sentiment

India and China mark 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2025 amidst complex geopolitical tensions and strategic rivalry. The milestone highlights the need for a pragmatic, long-term approach in managing a multifaceted bilateral relationship shaped by historical conflicts, border tensions, and economic interdependence.

Strategic Landscape and Military Dimensions

• Evolving Relationship Context: China remains the most consequential external factor shaping India’s foreign policy—from border deployment to trade and global alignments. The relationship has evolved from idealistic Pan-Asianism to strategic distrust and competition.
• Border Infrastructure and Militarisation: The Galwan clash in 2020 altered India’s China posture. The Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains tense, with over 60,000 Indian troops permanently deployed in Eastern Ladakh, and infrastructure being rapidly fortified on both sides.
• Military Readiness as Policy Pillar: India’s China policy includes deterrence without provocation. Military preparedness acts as a vital guardrail in preventing escalation amid continuing lack of border resolution.

Economic Interdependence and Competitive Engagement

• Trade Paradox: Despite growing tensions, China remains one of India’s largest trading partners. The trade deficit nearedUSD100 billion in 2024–25, reflecting a paradox of border deterrence versus market dependency.
• Competitive Coexistence Framework: India balances regional competition with limited engagement via multilateral forums like BRICS, SCO, and QUAD. This approach promotes strategic autonomy without decoupling entirely from China.
• Regional Strategic Contest: China’s strategic footprint across South Asia—via projects like Hambantota Port, Pokhara Airport, and Maldives loans—has challenged India’s influence. India counters this through connectivity, aid, and rapid crisis response, aiming for sustained regional trust-building.

Diplomatic Signalling, Narrative Control, and Way Forward

• Strategic Diplomacy and Recalibration: Recent comments by PM Modi highlighting ancient civilisational synergy and “healthy competition” on global platforms suggest a controlled narrative shift signalling openness to limited cooperation while safeguarding core interests.
• Signs of Tactical Thaw: Verification patrols resumed in 2025; China agreed to early expert-level talks on hydrological data and discussions to restart Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. These are signs of a diplomatic thaw, not resolution.
• Future Policy Architecture: India's long-term China policy must be rooted in four pillars:
  • Military Readiness
  • Economic Diversification
  • Diplomatic Engagement
  • Narrative Control

Practice Question

Q. Discuss the concept of 'Competitive Coexistence' in the context of India-China relations. Evaluate how India can maintain strategic autonomy while managing security challenges and economic dependencies with China.