75th Anniversary of India-China Diplomatic Relations 

Why in News? 

India-China Diplomatic Relations: Recently, India and China completed 75 years of diplomatic relations. The Chinese President and Prime Minister sent congratulatory messages to the Indian leadership. Both countries expressed their commitment to increasing cooperation and moving bilateral relations in a stable and positive direction.

Historical Perspective of India-China Diplomatic Relations

• Beginning of Diplomatic Relations (1950): India officially recognized the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1950. On April 1, 1950, both countries established formal diplomatic relations. This step showed India’s focus on Asian unity and peaceful coexistence with its neighbors.
• Panchsheel Agreement (1954): In 1954, India and China adopted the “Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence” (Panchsheel). These principles included respect for sovereignty, non-interference, equality, peaceful coexistence, and mutual benefits. A historic agreement was signed based on these principles, shaping early diplomatic ties.
• 1950s – Era of Friendship: During the 1950s, India and China shared friendly relations. Both countries focused on national development after colonial rule. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai held several meetings on trade, cultural exchange, and border issues. The slogan “Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai” became popular, reflecting mutual friendship.
• Tibet Issue (1959): In 1959, political instability in Tibet led to the Dalai Lama seeking refuge in India. China viewed this as interference, while India saw it as a humanitarian gesture. This incident created tension between the two countries and contributed to the 1962 India-China War.

Major Bilateral Events in India-China Relations

• 1962 India-China War: The 1962 war deeply impacted diplomatic and political ties. It established the Line of Actual Control (LAC) but did not resolve the border dispute. The war forced India to restructure its defense strategy and change its foreign policy towards China.
• McMahon Line Dispute: In 1914, Britain, Tibet, and China negotiated a border agreement defining the McMahon Line. China refused to recognize it, which became a major reason for the 1962 war.
• Rajiv Gandhi’s China Visit (1988): After years of strained relations, Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi visited China in 1988. This was the first visit by an Indian PM in 34 years. Both nations agreed to resolve border disputes through dialogue and strengthen economic and diplomatic ties.
• Border Peace Agreements: In 1993, India and China signed the Agreement on Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility, formally recognizing the LAC. In 1996, another agreement was signed to regulate military activities along the border and maintain stability.
• Special Representative Talks (2003): In 2003, both nations established the Special Representative Mechanism to find a permanent solution to the border dispute. Regular talks were held to address sensitive issues diplomatically.

Key India-China Border Disputes

The LAC remains disputed and undefined, leading to several military clashes. China frequently intrudes into Indian territory, and India has always defended its sovereignty.

• Nathu La Conflict (1967): In 1967, India set up barbed-wire fencing at Nathu La Pass, which China opposed. A military clash followed, lasting two months. The Indian Army responded strongly, forcing Chinese troops to retreat.
• Arunachal Pradesh Dispute (1986-87): In 1986, India gave full statehood to Arunachal Pradesh, which China objected to. In 1987, tensions escalated, but diplomatic and military readiness prevented further conflict.
• Doklam Standoff (2017): In 2017, China started road construction in Bhutan’s Doklam region, a strategic area near India. The Indian Army intervened, leading to a 73-day standoff. Eventually, China withdrew from the construction site.
• Galwan Valley Clash (2020): On June 15-16, 2020, Chinese troops attempted to encroach into Indian territory in Galwan Valley. A violent clash followed, making it the most serious India-China military confrontation in decades. After multiple negotiations, both countries agreed to disengage troops in September 2022.
• Tawang Conflict (2022): On December 9, 2022, Chinese troops tried to seize an Indian post in the Tawang sector (Arunachal Pradesh). The Indian Army repelled the attack, demonstrating its firm response to border violations.

India-China Relations: Recent Developments

• Border Stability Agreement (2025): India and China agreed to maintain stability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and resolve border disputes peacefully. A key agreement in late 2024 led to military disengagement from Depsang and Demchok areas, strengthening confidence-building measures.
  • BRICS Kazan Summit (October 2024): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met for the first time in five years, showing interest in improving relations.
  • Special Representative Talks (2025): The 23rd round of Special Representative talks and a Vice Minister-Foreign Secretary level dialogue were held in Beijing, focusing on border stability and cooperation.
• Cultural and Educational Exchanges: India and China restarted educational and cultural exchanges in 2025. Universities and cultural institutions agreed to enhance cooperation.
  • Water Data Sharing & Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage: Both countries agreed to resume hydrological data sharing and reopen the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage by summer 2025.
  • Direct Flights Resumed: After five years, India and China decided to restart direct flight services.

India-China Relations: Economic, Cultural, and Global Context

• Economic & Trade Relations

  • In 1984, India and China signed a trade agreement granting each other Most Favored Nation (MFN) status.
  • In 1994, both nations signed the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) to encourage investment and reduce tax burdens.
  • Despite tensions, India-China bilateral trade reached $118.4 billion in 2023-24.
  • India imports electronics, telecom equipment, and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) from China and exports iron ore, organic chemicals, and raw materials.
  • Chinese firms have invested heavily in Indian startups. In 2020 alone, 18 Indian unicorns received over $3.5 billion in Chinese investment.

• Cultural & People-to-People Ties

  • India and China share thousands of years of cultural ties, including Buddhism, the Silk Road, and yoga.
  • Indian Buddhist monks like Kumarajiva, Bodhidharma, and Paramartha translated Buddhist texts in China, spreading Buddhist teachings.
  • The Silk Road facilitated trade and cultural exchange between the two civilizations.
  • Yoga and Ayurveda are gaining popularity in China. Many yoga centers have opened in Beijing and Shanghai, and Ayurveda is merging with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
  • In 2025, Visva-Bharati University will host a seminar marking 100 years of Rabindranath Tagore’s visit to China.

• Cooperation on Global Platforms

  • India and China actively participate in BRICS, SCO, G-20, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
  • In 2024, both countries supported Global South unity and promoted multipolarity through SCO.
  • China supports India’s International Solar Alliance (ISA) initiative, boosting renewable energy cooperation.
  • Both nations collaborate on climate change, disaster relief, and global health governance through platforms like G-20 and BRICS.
  • Their cooperation in AIIB and New Development Bank (NDB) reflects their regional leadership.

Challenges in India-China Relations

• Border Disputes: The 3,488 km long LAC remains a source of tension. Incidents in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh lead to military standoffs. The 2020 Galwan Valley clash was a major turning point, reshaping India’s security policies.
• Trade Imbalance: Despite $125 billion in trade, India faces a huge trade deficit with China. India’s exports are mostly raw materials, while China limits access to its IT and pharmaceutical markets, creating an imbalance.
• Water Disputes: The Brahmaputra River flows from Tibet into India and Bangladesh. China’s dam projects in Tibet threaten India’s water security. Lack of data-sharing agreements and China’s unilateral water policies create concerns for India.
• South China Sea Tensions: China claims 90% of the South China Sea, rich in oil and gas reserves. India collaborates with Vietnam for oil exploration in this region, which China opposes. 
• Indo-Pacific Security: China considers Taiwan a part of its territory. India follows a “One-China Policy” but is increasing trade and technology ties with Taiwan, worrying China.
• Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): China’s BRI challenges India’s strategic position in South Asia. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), violating India’s sovereignty. India refused to join BRI and instead supports the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) as an alternative.

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