Changing Indo–China Relations

Acontrasting response to a grim situation through a number of dialogues has blatantly failed to de-escalate the crippling crisis of 15 June 2020 in the present geopolitical conditions between the two nuclear-power states of India and China. This conflict has created a new historical scene, which perhaps has not been seen in the last 45 years of ties between the two nations. How far it can go is yet to be ascertained.

India–China relations are immensely critical for the emergence of a multipolar world. Changing scenarios and building differentiation can severely unbalance the stability in the neighbourhood and damage the growth prospective of multilateral organiations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS. It is time when both the nations must sit ­together and reconsider their challenges to leverage the best possible recoveries to maintain peace and tranquility at the Indo–China border. Unsettled disputes can inflict a higher degree of challenges for India, especially when we are completely clueless about the development of a manufacturing hub. Declining consumption and unrest in the agricultural sector are not conducive and favourable for healthy businesses. A particular skill set and better infrastructure are the prerequisites for attracting foreign direct investments (FDIs) in the manufacturing sector. Moreover, the rising percentage of import dependence has further pressurised the Indian government to balance its trade deficit account and relocate its road of economic progress at a time when nations have turned into protectionist regimes. All these factors can mutate a new virus and pose a threat to an “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-reliant India). If India wants to see a win–win position, then it must seriously take these arguments into consideration to improve its market structure and quality of products for displaying an environment-friendly outlook and pursuing better business.