The Perils Of An Unresolved

Context: The seeds of continuing border tensions between India and China dates back to decisions and developments during the period between 1949 and 1962.

A synopsis into history of India-China border disputes

• Colonial Past: British policy viewed Tibet as a political buffer state. Post-independence, Indian policy overlooked the buffer state policy in Tibet, raising questions and conflict on political status of Tibet.
• A strategic miscalculation: Tibet was viewed as a ‘psychological’ buffer as Nehru was convinced that any military attack on India from Tibet was not feasible.
  • Disputes regarding McMahon Line: India was certain that McMahon line is the boundary, but except for Sikkim, the border had not been demarcated and Chinese government never accepted this stance.
  • Mis-interpreting Chinese threat: In the obsession with big picture of two big Asian nations forging deeper understanding and cooperation, India mis-calculated security threats from China.
• A missed Opportunity:
  • In 1951, it could have been settled by discussion between three countries - India, Nepal and China, it was assumed and lost in diplomatic guesswork.
  • A quid pro quo border settlement for recognition of Chinese sovereignty over Tibet: While negotiations for an agreement between India and China on Tibet were felt necessary, they should also include a border settlement. This demand was raised, but it failed to push through the system.
• China’s strategic silence: In September 1951, China stated that India’s position in Tibet should be regularized and the ‘boundary with Tibet stabilized’.
  • India responded immediately that ‘we were ready for discussions’ but there had been no response from the Chinese. This brought China the time for advancing its self-interests.

Conclusion: A series of strategic miscalculation and flawed advices along with lack of hindsight of Chinese irredentism had led to the 1962 situation of India.