The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 22nd April 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

India-China @75 — A Time for Strategy, Not Sentiment

Why is it News?

• As India and China celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations, there is a call for strategic clarity rather than emotional sentiment in understanding their ties.
• Currently, the relationship is characterized by strategic rivalry, disputed borders, and economic interdependence.

Key Issues

• China’s Influence on India’s Foreign Policy: India’s decisions in foreign policy are now significantly shaped by the need to respond to China. This includes aspects like border infrastructure development, diversifying trade away from China, and forming new defense alliances.
• Ongoing Border and Security Issues: Despite increased troop deployments and military vigilance following incidents like the Galwan clash and the 1962 war, the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains a tense and unstable region. Long-term stability requires more than just military presence; it needs comprehensive solutions.
• Economic Interdependence: China is still India’s largest trading partner, despite the political tensions between them. India’s current approach can be described as “competitive coexistence,” where it tries to balance rivalry with some level of economic engagement.
• Multilateral Engagement: India is engaged in various multilateral platforms with China, such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), while also competing with China in groups like the Quad. This helps India maintain strategic autonomy and avoid being fully aligned with any single bloc.
• China’s Growing Influence in South Asia: China is expanding its influence in South Asia through countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Maldives, which poses a challenge to India’s traditional dominance in the region. India is responding by increasing its own aid, infrastructure projects, and diplomatic efforts in these countries.
• The Power of Narrative: Influence in today’s world is often about storytelling and perception. For instance, Prime Minister Modi’s podcast in March 2025 was aimed at projecting India’s image of calmness, dialogue, and leadership, which was positively received even by China.
• U.S.-China Rivalry and India’s Position: The editorial cautions India against blindly aligning with the United States, especially in the context of a potential return of Trump to power. India should prioritize its strategic autonomy in foreign policy decisions.
• Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River Concerns: China’s dam project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, close to Arunachal Pradesh, raises concerns for India regarding ecological impacts, sovereignty issues, and water security risks. This is compounded by the lack of a formal water-sharing treaty between the two countries.

Policy Recommendations: The 4-Pillar China Strategy

• Military Readiness: Maintain vigilance along the borders without provoking further tensions.
• Economic Diversification: Work on reducing critical dependencies on China, especially in key sectors.
• Diplomatic Engagement: Strengthen mechanisms for dialogue and negotiation to address issues with China.
• Narrative Control: Focus on shaping global and regional perceptions of India’s role and intentions, countering negative narratives.

Vision for the Future:

• The editorial advocates for India to take the lead in building an Asian security framework based on Mutual Respect, Sensitivity, and Interest. This approach emphasizes intrinsic values rather than relying solely on Western countries for security and balance.

Conclusion:

• The relationship between India and China at 75 years is not about nostalgia but about redefining leadership. China should be viewed not just as a threat but as an opportunity for India to carve out its role on the global stage.