An India-China reset needs bold and new thinking – Editorial

The article by Sudheendra Kulkarni emphasizes the necessity of rethinking India-China relations to move beyond historical disputes, mistrust, and geopolitical rivalry. It advocates for bold, pragmatic, and cooperative strategies to transform the bilateral relationship into one of mutual benefit and global leadership.

1. Current State of India-China Relations

A. Military Standoff and Resolution:

• The 2020 Galwan Valley clash marked a low point in bilateral relations, yet it was resolved through disengagement agreements facilitated by diplomatic and military channels.
• However, the border dispute along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains unresolved, posing risks of future conflicts.

B. Trust Deficit:

• Deep-seated mutual distrust clouds relations, exacerbated by issues such as:
• China’s perceived support for Pakistan and reluctance to condemn terrorism in India.
• India’s participation in U.S.-led initiatives like the Quad, seen by China as a containment strategy.

2. The Case for Cooperation

A. Global Context:

• Geopolitical uncertainties, such as U.S.-China tensions and regional conflicts, call for India and China to prioritize cooperation over rivalry.
• Hostility between the two largest Global South nations would exacerbate global instability.

B. Economic Opportunities:

• India’s expanding market can help China’s slowing economy, especially in light of potential U.S. tariff hikes under a "Trump 2.0" scenario.
• China’s expertise in infrastructure, green energy, and breakthrough technologies can accelerate India’s aspiration to become a developed nation.

C. Shared Responsibility:

• As leading economies of the Global South, India and China have a role in assisting developing and underdeveloped countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• Their cooperation could bring stability to global governance and address issues like the Russia-Ukraine war, Myanmar’s strife, and climate change.

3. Bold Thinking: Proposals for Both Sides

A. For China:

1.     Address India’s Security Concerns:

o    Demonstrate that China poses no threat to India, including through stronger condemnation of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

2.     Support India’s Global Aspirations:

o    Advocate for India’s inclusion as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

3.     Recognize India as an Equal Partner:

o    Respect India as an equal pole in a multipolar world and avoid actions that suggest containment of India’s rise.

B. For India:

1.     Move Beyond "Power Asymmetry":

o    Avoid over-reliance on U.S.-led confrontational initiatives like the Quad to deal with China.

2.     Respect the "One China" Policy:

o    Refrain from supporting Taiwan’s independence or using the "Tibet card."

3.     Counter Anti-China Narratives:

o    Avoid letting Western anti-China narratives overly shape Indian media and public opinion about China.

4. Trust-Building Measures: Low-Hanging Fruits

1.     Resume Direct Flights:

o    Reinstate air travel suspended post-COVID-19 to facilitate people-to-people exchanges.

2.     Simplify Visa Policies:

o    Increase visa issuance for Chinese businesspeople, engineers, scholars, and tourists to match China’s issuance for Indians.

3.     Reinstate Journalists:

o    Allow Chinese and Indian journalists to return, fostering better mutual understanding.

4.     Lift App Bans:

o    Reverse the ban on Chinese apps like WeChat to enhance communication and economic ties.

5.     Expand Trade and Investment:

o    Encourage Chinese imports of Indian goods to address trade imbalances.

o    Facilitate Chinese FDI in Indian industries for joint ventures and technology collaborations.

5. Long-Term Vision: High-Hanging Fruits

A. Regional Development:

• Revive the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Corridor to foster prosperity in India’s northeast and strengthen the Act East policy.

B. Global Leadership:

• Collaborate on global issues like poverty eradication, climate change, and democratic global governance.
• Work together on conflict resolution in West Asia, Ukraine, and Myanmar.

6. Challenges to Resetting Relations

• Historical Mistrust: The unresolved border dispute and Galwan clash still cast a shadow over ties.
• Geopolitical Pressures: India’s ties with the U.S. and Quad participation create tension with China.
• Cynical Realpolitik: Both sides harbor factions that prioritize rivalry over cooperation.

7. Conclusion

India and China must transcend historical animosities and geopolitical rivalries to forge a relationship based on mutual respect and shared interests. Pragmatic and cooperative steps, such as addressing immediate concerns and pursuing long-term economic and regional collaboration, can pave the way for a reset in relations. By choosing cooperation over hostility, India and China can not only achieve mutual gains but also contribute to a more stable and equitable global order.