Border tensions in Arunachal, economic issues set to dominate Modi-Xi bilateral
Indian and Chinese leaders to meet for third time in three years since standoff, but no reset in ties yet
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Context
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting in New Delhi, their first such encounter in India since 2014 and the first bilateral visit by either leader since the 2020 border clashes. The summit aims to address ongoing border tensions, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh, while seeking to stabilize economic and people-to-people relations, though experts caution against expecting an immediate 'reset' in ties.
UPSC Perspectives
International Relations
The India-China relationship is characterized by a complex interplay of cooperation and competition, often described as a 'cooperative-competitive' dynamic. This summit highlights the challenge of managing a border dispute while maintaining economic interdependence. UPSC often asks about the evolution of this relationship, focusing on key events like the 1962 war, subsequent border agreements (e.g., the 1993 ), and the recent clashes. The meeting underscores the need for confidence-building measures (CBMs) and diplomatic engagement to prevent localized skirmishes from escalating into broader conflict. Aspirants should analyze the strategic implications of China's growing assertiveness in the region and India's counter-balancing efforts through initiatives like the .
Internal Security
The persistent border tensions, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh, fall squarely under the Border Management syllabus. India shares a long, un-demarcated boundary with China, known as the . This ambiguity leads to differing perceptions of the border, resulting in incursions and stand-offs. The role of the and the Indian Army in securing this frontier is crucial. The recent infrastructure push by China in border areas necessitates a corresponding effort by India, emphasizing the importance of the . UPSC questions often focus on the challenges of managing such contested borders, the role of technology in border surveillance, and the necessity of robust infrastructure development in frontier regions to counter external threats.
Economic
Despite geopolitical friction, the economic relationship between India and China remains substantial, creating a scenario of asymmetric interdependence. India relies heavily on China for critical imports, including active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), electronics, and machinery, leading to a massive trade deficit. The summit's focus on economic issues highlights the dilemma India faces: decoupling from the Chinese economy is difficult in the short term, yet strategic autonomy demands reducing this dependence. Aspirants should understand concepts like import substitution, the scheme designed to boost domestic manufacturing, and the potential impact of border tensions on foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade flows. Questions may explore the feasibility and consequences of 'de-risking' the Indian economy from Chinese supply chains.