India-China Ties At "New Starting Point"

In a big step forward in India-China ties, the two countries have discussed resuming direct flights between the countries as well restarting the Kailash Mansarovaryatra. 

Key-highlights

• A high-level engagement between India and China has been held recently on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, between India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.
• The meeting was the first high-level engagement between the two countries since the completion of the disengagement process in the two contentious areas of Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh.
• The disengagement process has contributed to the maintenance of peace and tranquility.

What are the key-issues under discussion?

• Direct flights between India and China were suspended because of the Covid pandemic in 2020 and have not resumed since then despite the restrictions being lifted.
  • The stand-off in Ladakh began in May that year and a clash took place in Ladakh'sGalwan the next month in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed in action and the Chinese side also suffered losses, with the exact number remaining unconfirmed.
  • A troop buildup followed on both sides and military-level talks began taking place to resolve the stand-off.
• The Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, in China was also suspended during the pandemic in 2020 and is yet to resume.

What would have prompted this closeness?

• For improved trade: In New Delhi’s case, the economy guided a political reset with Beijing. After the Galwan clash, India placed significant restrictions on Chinese investment and visas which had affected the Indian business community.
• To eradicate pressure: The West’s stance on the diplomatic trouble in India–Canada relations alongside the charges in the United States against an Indian spy over an alleged plot to kill American Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun may have given some impetus to New Delhi’s decision to improve ties with Beijing.
• China’s behaviour has shifted. As part of efforts to maintain its international ambitions, Beijing is seeking to present itself as a more responsible and cooperative international player with less emphasis on so-called “wolf warrior” diplomacy.

How does the possibility of closer India-China ties impact global power?

• India and China, the two most populous countries in the world, are experiencing a shift in their bilateral relations that could have far-reaching consequences for global geopolitics.
• This evolving partnership, driven by economic complementarities and strategic cooperation, has the potential to reshape the global order, moving away from the US-centric model that has prevailed since the end of the Cold War.
• Economic Complementarities:China, a global manufacturing hub, and India, with its strong services sector and growing digital economy, can benefit greatly from enhanced economic ties. The two nations can collaborate on various fronts such as:
  • Trade and Investment: With China as a major exporter and India as an emerging market, both countries can benefit from increased trade, investments, and technology exchange.
  • Infrastructure Development: India’s need for infrastructure development can align with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), offering opportunities for collaboration in sectors like energy, transport, and manufacturing.
• Asia’s Growing Influence: A closer relationship between India and China could mark a strategic shift in global geopolitics. For decades, the world has been dominated by a US-centric global order, with the United States playing the role of the primary power broker. However, as India and China find common ground, they could shift the focus to Asia as the new center of influence in world affairs.
• Regional Stability: A partnership between the two Asian giants could bring greater stability to the region, reducing tensions that have long existed over issues such as the border dispute.
• Balance of Power: A strong India-China relationship could challenge US dominance, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, and lead to a multipolar world order, where global decisions are driven by multiple powers, not just the US.
• Recalibration of Alliances: Traditional alliances, including those centeredaround the US, may be reevaluated as countries adjust their foreign policies based on shared interests with Asian powers.
• Strategic Pragmatism: Countries may prioritize strategic pragmatism over historical rivalries, opting for partnerships that offer economic benefits and regional stability.

The Role of the United States in Sino-Indian Relations

• The United States’ actions toward India in recent years have contributed to the Sino-Indian rapprochement. Despite historically being a close ally to the US, India has faced increasing pressure on various fronts, including its defense ties with Russia, trade relations, and stance on global security issues.
• This pressure has, ironically, pushed India and China closer, as both countries see shared interests in resisting Western pressure.