Post by : Meena Ariff

For many years, India and China have had tensions along their long border. Now, it looks like they are trying to improve their relationship, but there are still big problems and deep suspicions between them that will take time to solve.

Recent important visits show improvement.

Last month, two senior Indian officials visited China. This visit was seen as a sign that both countries want to improve their ties. In June, India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh went to China separately to attend meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

What is SCO?

The SCO is a group of 10 countries in Eurasia, which includes India, China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, and other Central Asian nations. The organisation mainly discusses security, economic, and regional issues. Rajnath Singh’s visit was very significant because he was the first top Indian leader to visit China in five years.

Why do India and China have tensions?

The main reason for tension between India and China is their disputed border, which is 3,440 km (2,100 miles) long. This border is not clearly marked in many places because of the difficult natural features like:

• Rivers
• Lakes
• Snow-covered mountains

Because the line is not clear and nature keeps changing the surroundings, soldiers from both countries often come face to face. This sometimes leads to arguments, pushing, and even fights.

The dangerous Galwan Valley clash
In June 2020, the tensions reached a very dangerous point. There was a serious clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh. This was the first time since 1975 that soldiers died in a clash between the two countries.

• At least 20 Indian soldiers died.
• Four Chinese soldiers also died.

This clash shocked both countries. After that, there were many stand-offs in different border areas, where soldiers from both sides faced each other for weeks or months.
Steps taken to improve ties

• Because of these dangerous events, and the changing situation in the world, both countries started trying to find common ground to reduce tensions.
• Late last year, India and China reached an agreement on the main friction points in Ladakh. This was done to reduce the chances of future clashes.

In January this year, both countries agreed to start direct flights again. Flights between India and China were stopped after the 2020 clash, so this was an important step.
They also agreed to relax visa rules that were made strict after the border clash. This helps students, tourists, and business people to travel more easily.

Pilgrimage to Mount Kailash resumed.

Another positive step was taken in January when Indian pilgrims were allowed to visit Mount Kailash and the holy lake Mansarovar in Tibet after six years. Mount Kailash is a very sacred place for Hindus, as it is believed to be the home of Lord Shiva. For six years, pilgrims could not visit because of tensions and restrictions, but now the visit has started again.

Why are experts still worried?

Even with these positive steps, experts say that many big problems remain in India-China relations:

• Border issue not fully solved – The border is still not clearly marked, and soldiers continue to face each other in some places.
• Trust is very low – Both countries do not trust each other fully, especially after the 2020 clash where soldiers died.
• Trade dependence – India trades a lot with China, which is India’s second-largest trading partner. Last year, trade between the two countries was worth more than $127 billion. India buys many things from China, including rare earth minerals, which are very important for making mobiles, batteries, and advanced machines.

Why is peace along the border important?

For India, peace along the border is very important because if there are tensions or clashes:
Trade and economy will suffer, as businesses get worried.
Soldiers and defence spending will increase, which will affect development work.
It will be hard to build good relations with China in other areas like education, tourism, and regional security.

What needs to be done for better relations?

Experts say that for India and China to have strong and peaceful relations:

• They need to clearly mark their border and make proper agreements.
• They should talk regularly and openly to reduce misunderstandings.
• Both countries should focus on trust-building measures, like joint exercises, cultural exchanges, and student programs.
• Economic ties must be made more balanced, so India does not remain dependent on China for essential products.

India and China have taken small steps towards improving their relationship, like restarting flights, relaxing visas, and allowing pilgrimages. However, major border issues and a lack of trust remain serious problems. Both countries will need to work patiently and carefully to solve these challenges, so that peace and development continue in the region without the fear of war or clashes.