GS2 · 15 marks · 250 words

The trajectory of India-China relations in the last 75 years reflects a balance between pragmatic cooperation and unresolved strategic tensions. Discuss the contours of this evolving policy and highlight the measures India should take to counterbalance asymmetries with China.

Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

NeighbourhoodSecurity and Strategic AffairsBilateral RelationsMajor Powers

Syllabus: India and its neighborhood- relations.

How toppers approached it

From all 4 answers · about 250 words · 75% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • A quotation3 of 4
  • No separate opening1 of 4

Body

  • Points3 of 4
  • Points and prose1 of 4

Close

  • A summary2 of 4
  • A quotation1 of 4
  • A way forward1 of 4

The toppers’ answers

Pakshal SecretryAIR 8 · CSE 2025 · 185 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a quotation

"There is new great game going on in Indo-Pacific, from Border Disputes to fight for influence in neighbourhood between India and China" - Bertil Lintner in Book "China's India war"

Body · points

Diagram
Trajectory Phase I (1950-62) -> Phase II (1962-93) -> Phase III (1993-2020) -> Phase IV (2020 to now)

Phase I Optimistic Panch Sheel

  • 'Hindi-Chini' Bhai-Bhai
  • Support to Chinese Ambition

Phase II Realism & Recovery

  • 1962 war

Phase III Mutual Development

  • Border Agreement (1996)

Phase IV Open conflict & reengagement

  • Doklam, Galwan, Tawang clashes
  • Reengagement Now

Evolving policy

  • Meeting of PM Modi & President Xi to restart engagement
  • Resolution of Border dispute
  • Potential Revival of RIC forum
Diagram
Assymmetries 1. Economic (China=$19 Trillion, India=$4 Trillion) 2. Military Assymmetry (China spends $300 bn, India=$89 bn) 3. Trade (Export=16 Bn $, Import=$101 bn) 4. Developmental (China high middle income vs India low middle)

India's Measures

(A) Nirupama Rao (Ex-IFS)

  1. Military Modernisation
  2. Economic Decoupling
  3. Diplomatic Engagement
  4. Narrative Control (MEDN Strategy)

(B) S. Jaishankar (MEA) in "India Way" book 5) Coengagement -> containment along with engagement 6) Resolution of Border dispute at priority

(C) Economic Survey (2024-25) 7) Attracting Chinese FDI in non-strategic sector to balance trade 8) De-risking in strategic sector

Close · a quotation

As President Xi said, "Elephant - Panda Tango" is only way forward but this Tango should be Based on 3 Mutual : Mutual Respect, Interest and understanding

More on Neighbourhood

India's relations with the countries on its borders.

All GS2 questions on Neighbourhood