Context:Bellicosity seems the signature element of China’s approach to India, due to which the future of their relations remains uncertain and problematic.
India-China relations: Positive aspects
Continues talks to resolve the underlying issues: Leaders practised bucolic, informal summitry.
Development of relations: including trade and economic ties, people-to-people interaction etc.
Peace and tranquillity in the border areas: through various agreements over time -
Maintenance of Peace and Tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China Border Areas (1993).
Confidence-Building Measures(CBMs) in the Military Field along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China Border Areas (1996).
Modalities for the Implementation of Confidence Building Measures in the Military Field along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China Border Areas (2005).
Establishment of a Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (2012).
Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on Border Defence Cooperation (2013).
Concerns in India-China relations:
Contending Nationalisms.
Rise of China in new global power equations.
Armed confrontation replaced peaceful coexistence: due to the growing gulf (event like Galwan)
Chinese approach towards India: Bellicosity as a key element of China’s approach.
Issues with Confidence Building Mesures (CBMs):
China, as the bigger power, has never signalled willingness to make asymmetric or unilateral concessions to India. (the way the Soviet Union offered).
Lack of mutual trust and political commitments: the early Agreement with China were not nurtured.
No Boundary Settlement reached: accompanied these CBMs to sustain and strengthen their operation.