Day 47 – Q. 5. “India’s engagement with China is increasingly defined by a mix of competition, conflict management, and selective cooperation.” Discuss in light of recent diplomatic outreach and the evolving post-Galwan dynamics. (250 words, 15 marks)

Q. 5. “India’s engagement with China is increasingly defined by a mix of competition, conflict management, and selective cooperation.” Discuss in light of recent diplomatic outreach and the evolving post-Galwan dynamics. (250 words, 15 marks)

Introduction 

The Galwan clash of 2020 marked a turning point in India–China relations, ending decades  of fragile stability. Since then, India has adopted a firm yet measured approach, balancing  national interest with regional and global responsibilities. 

Body 

Post-Galwan Shifts in India–China Relations 

1. Militarised border management: India has strengthened its border infrastructure to  ensure deterrence and quick response. 
2. De-escalation talks: India has consistently pursued dialogue, leading 21 rounds of Corps  Commander talks despite limited reciprocity. 
3. Changed political tone: India now links overall ties to border peace, ensuring  accountability and strategic clarity. 
4. Public and strategic trust deficit: The loss in Galwan united Indian political will against  unilateralism and coercion. 

Elements of Competition 

1. Border infrastructure race: India has accelerated LAC upgrades to ensure parity and  readiness. 
2. Regional influence rivalry: India promotes transparent, inclusive initiatives like SAGAR  and Act East over China’s opaque BRI model. 
3. Technology and trade concerns: India’s bans and scrutiny of Chinese tech align with  national security and digital sovereignty. 
4. Strategic partnerships: India’s Quad engagement reflects proactive hedging, not bloc  politics. 

Conflict Management Mechanisms 

1. Military-level talks: India remains committed to dialogue even under provocation,  avoiding miscalculation. 
2. Working Mechanism for Consultation (WMCC): Regular diplomatic talks reinforce India’s  preference for peaceful resolution. 
3. Border protocols: India has upheld agreements despite their repeated testing by Chinese  actions. 
4. Avoidance of escalation: India’s restraint reflects maturity and commitment to regional  stability. 

Selective Cooperation 

1. BRICS and SCO platforms: India engages constructively without compromising on core  concerns. 
2. Trade interdependence: India remains cautious, aiming to balance trade asymmetry  while maintaining supply chain continuity. 
3. Global South coordination: India and China align selectively on multilateral issues like  climate and development equity. 
4. Crisis diplomacy: India has kept channels open even during crises, reflecting its status as  a responsible power. 

Way Forward 

1. Border status quo restoration: India rightly insists on restoring the status quo ante for  forward movement. 
2. Balanced economic ties: India aims to diversify trade and reduce critical dependencies.
3. Multilateral cooperation: India remains open to issue-based cooperation where interests  align. 
4. Strategic hedging: India will continue building resilient coalitions while avoiding zero-sum  strategies.

Conclusion

India’s China policy today blends firmness with foresight. As EAM Jaishankar noted, “The  state of the border will determine the state of the relationship.” India seeks peace—but not  at the cost of principle.