Editorial 1: An India-China reset needs bold and new thinking
An India-China Reset Demands Bold and Innovative Thinking
Context
The discourse on India-China relations must not be commandeered by cynical proponents of ‘realpolitik,’ who dismiss idealism as irrelevant in diplomacy. Instead, the focus should be on fostering cooperation and addressing mutual concerns with innovative solutions.
Introduction
Mature leadership is defined by its ability to resolve disputes peacefully and prevent them from escalating into larger conflicts. Even when historical disputes spark tensions, wise leaders work diligently to diffuse them through dialogue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping have displayed such maturity by ensuring the resolution of the Galwan Valley standoff of June 2020 through a disengagement agreement. This outcome, achieved after extensive negotiations between military and diplomatic teams, underscores the importance of political will in defusing crises.
From Hostility to Cooperation
India and China face a pivotal strategic choice:
- Strategic Determination: Will they commit to comprehensive, mutually beneficial cooperation?
- Mutual Distrust: Or will they let entrenched mistrust lead to minimal cooperation and heightened rivalry?
The second path is fraught with risks, including potential military clashes over the unresolved boundary dispute. Any such confrontation would undermine peace along the Line of Actual Control, a prerequisite for bilateral cooperation. In a world already grappling with geopolitical turbulence, India-China hostility would exacerbate global instability. Conversely, cooperation offers immense mutual benefits and contributes to global peace and prosperity.
Rebuilding Trust: China’s Role
For genuine trust-building, China must take steps to allay India’s concerns:
- National Security: China must unequivocally demonstrate that it poses no threat to India’s security, whether independently or in alliance with Pakistan.
- Terrorism: Beijing’s reluctance to condemn Pakistan-sponsored terrorism has fostered distrust among Indians. This stance must change.
- India’s Rise: China should reassure India that it does not seek to impede its ascent in Asia or on the global stage.
- UN Security Council: Advocating for India’s inclusion as a permanent member of the UN Security Council would signal Beijing’s respect for India’s global stature.
- Mutual Respect: China must treat India as an equal in a multipolar Asia and world, recognizing that India will not accept subordination to any nation.
Rebuilding Trust: India’s Role
India, too, has responsibilities in fostering trust:
- Power Dynamics: India must reject the notion of “power asymmetry” and avoid relying solely on alliances like the Quad to counter China.
- Quad and Containment: While the Quad serves India’s interests, it should not be seen as part of a broader strategy to contain China.
- One China Policy: India should continue adhering to its “One China” policy and refrain from actions that could provoke Beijing, such as overtly supporting Taiwan or Tibet.
- Media Narratives: Indian media and academia should avoid being shaped by Western anti-China narratives. Unlike the relatively neutral Chinese media, Indian media often propagates anti-China sentiments, which the government should address.
Historical and Civilizational Perspective
India and China share a rich civilizational history that calls for cooperation, not rivalry. Their shared ideals of peace, inclusive development, and global well-being should guide relations. The two nations must resist the narrative that idealism has no place in diplomacy, focusing instead on a vision of collective progress.
Trust-Building Measures and Opportunities
Both countries should prioritize trust-building initiatives:
- Economic Collaboration: As two of the world’s largest economies, India and China have much to gain from partnership in domestic development.
- Mutual Opportunities: India’s vast market offers growth potential for China amid rising U.S. tariffs, while China’s technological expertise can help India achieve its developmental aspirations.
- Global South Leadership: Together, they can drive development in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, enhance global governance, and work towards resolving conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and instability in Myanmar.
Actionable Steps: Five Low-Hanging Fruits
- Direct Flights: Restart direct flights suspended during COVID-19.
- Visa Issuance: Increase the issuance of visas to Chinese nationals, including businesspeople and tourists.
- Media Representation: Restore reciprocal journalist presence in both countries.
- Lift App Bans: Reevaluate the ban on Chinese apps, which hinders digital and cultural exchange.
- Trade and Investment: Address the trade imbalance through increased Chinese imports from India and foster joint ventures.
Conclusion
As suggested by India’s Chief Economic Adviser, fostering greater foreign direct investment from China can help bridge the trade gap. Both nations should aim for 2025 to be a transformative year in bilateral relations, potentially marked by high-level visits. A partnership between India and China holds the promise of not only advancing their interests but also contributing to a more stable and prosperous world.
