On China Border Dispute, Modi’s Diplomatic Turning of Tables

New Delhi and Beijing, led by two strong leaders, are being more proactive in world affairs, writes Nitin Gokhale

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang prepare for the joint press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, May 15, 2015. (Photo: Reuters)

Recognition of Complexity

A major takeaway from the official discussions that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has had with the top Chinese leadership in his ongoing tour is the desire on both sides to treat the contentious boundary question with equanimity and not get caught up in haphazard and ambitious attempts to push for a quick solution.

Both sides recognise the complexity of the issue and have had rich experience in managing tensions on the border for the past three decades. But there is a vital difference between ‘managing’ and ‘resolving’ the border dispute. It’s to Modi’s credit that he has not tried to jump from one to the other in a hurry. Instead, he has reminded his hosts in Beijing that they need to adopt a new way.

I stressed the need for China to reconsider its approach on some of the issues that hold us back from realising the full potential of our partnership. I suggested that China should take a strategic and long-term view of our relations.
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The above statement clearly reflects India’s stand that China cannot continue to be obdurate on the border issue and at the same time prop up Pakistan to create trouble in the neighbourhood.

Moreover, by reaffirming the demand for clarification of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) India is adopting a similar tactic as the Chinese who stick to their stand irrespective of the response from the other side.

Prime Minister Modi had made this suggestion for the first time last September when President Xi Jingping was in India. Beijing has not responded to the idea yet. By once again raising the point, New Delhi has now put the ball in China’s court. If the Chinese don’t respond then the border talks will continue to stagnate.

PM Modi in Beijing. (Photo: Reuters)

At the same time, the joint statement commits both sides to forging strategic trust and improving strategic communication.

Recognising the expanding bilateral relationship, the growing international role of India and China and the imperative of forging strategic trust, the leaders agreed to enhance communication through frequent exchanges at the leadership level and by fully utilising the existing dialogue mechanisms,
–Joint statement by India and China

In other words, there would be regular summits and top level contacts between the two countries, helping India and China to graduate from an adversarial relationship to a near-normal interaction.

Agreement Bonanza

The second significant outcome of the delegation level talks is the slew of agreements ranging from space to education and from railways to skill development (24 in all) signed in presence of the two leaders, demonstrating the deepening relationship between India and China.

Both sides perhaps for the first time have acknowledged their role in the larger international context.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) shakes hands with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during a news conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, May 15, 2015. (Photo: Reuters)

The leaders agreed that simultaneous re-emergence of India and China as two major powers in the region and the world offers a momentous opportunity for realisation of the Asian Century. They noted that India-China bilateral relations are poised to play a defining role in the 21st Century in Asia and indeed, globally.

In sum, New Delhi and Beijing, currently led by two strong and nationalist leaders, are willing to play a more proactive role in world affairs, their divergent views on some issues notwithstanding. So is this the beginning of a ‘new normal’ in Sino-India relationship? We will have to wait and watch.

(Nitin Gokhale is a national security analyst)