- It’s obvious over the last three years that our eastern neighbour China does not wish to normalize relations with India even though the military standoff continues along the line of actual control. The Galwan clash resulted in India increasing its operational readiness along its eastern border by deploying massive amounts of weapons, ammunition, and military personnel as well as making every effort to build the necessary infrastructure to facilitate rapid mobility. While this was going on, multiple rounds of diplomatic and military consultations generated no real results. Despite the global community condemning China’s increasing intransigence, Beijing continues to adopt a method of confrontation.
PC: freepik
- Of course, the USA and China are not on the best of terms but the interdependencies of trade-related matters including cutting-edge technology allows very little room for possible precipitative action. China will be surrounded by international alliances thanks to the USA-led Quad strategy, which includes Japan, Australia, India, and the USA. However, despite mounting pressure from several fronts, China is steadfast in marching ahead with its ambitious and expansionist moves much against the chagrin of the rules-based world order. Beijing’s considerable economic heft and traction allow it to circumvent global opinion without much ado. Moreover, India-China border tensions appear to be moving east as New Delhi and Beijing trade verbal salvos over Arunachal Pradesh.
- Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent visit to the northeastern state not only saw him launch GOI’s Vibrant Villages Programme but also reiterate the point about defending every inch of Indian territory. Unsurprisingly, Beijing protested by asserting its so-called claims over south Tibet. Of course, the larger geopolitical context is this: while Indian and Chinese troops continue to be engaged in their border standoff in eastern Ladakh, Beijing wants New Delhi to normalize relations and compartmentalize the border dispute. The Dragon Nation still believes it can arm-twist New Delhi into submission as it used to do previously. However, India has remained firm.
PC: PIB
- The truth is Beijing has no interest in resolving the border row since it enjoys considerable natural military advantages along the LAC. The latter has been further reinforced since the 2020 Galwan clashes through the fresh construction of roads, bridges, and helipads on the Chinese side. And as China prepares for an enhancement of the strategic competition with the US and the Quad, it wants to hold the border dispute as leverage over India. Thus, India is left with no choice but to rapidly reduce the border infra gap to prevent further Chinese salami chopping. Mind you, Beijing only understands strength. India has quickened the pace of infra development but more needs to be done on a war footing. Yes, countering China will require a multidimensional approach.
