Answer

India-China relations are shaped by a mix of cooperation and competition, given their $118.4 billion bilateral trade for FY24 and ongoing border disputes. India follows a dual strategy, diplomatic engagement through BRICS and SCO, while reinforcing strategic deterrence via border infrastructure, QUAD alliance, and defense modernization, to safeguard its sovereignty and regional stability.

Balancing Diplomatic Conciliation with Strategic Deterrence

• Economic Engagement: India continues high trade volumes with China despite border tensions, ensuring economic stability while maintaining a cautious diplomatic stance.
  For example: Bilateral trade is increasing, even after the 2020 Galwan clash.
• Military Modernization: While engaging diplomatically, India invests in military infrastructure along the LAC to deter Chinese aggression.
  For example: BRO completed many border roads, improving troop mobility in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Multilateral Partnerships: India deepens Quad and Indo-Pacific cooperation to balance China’s influence while avoiding direct confrontation.
  For example: Malabar naval exercises with the U.S., Japan, and Australia enhance maritime deterrence.
• Selective Diplomatic Engagement: India keeps high-level talks open while maintaining a firm stance on border violations.
  For example: Multiple rounds of military and diplomatic talks have led to disengagement in some friction points.
• Strategic Self-Reliance: India strengthens defense manufacturing and Atmanirbhar Bharat to reduce dependency on Chinese imports.
  For example: India banned Chinese telecom firms from 5G trials, boosting domestic production.

Sustainability of the Dual Strategy

Way Forward

• Defense Modernization: Prioritize indigenous weapons development to reduce reliance on foreign imports.
  For example: The Tejas fighter jet and K9 Vajra howitzers enhance self-sufficiency.
• Strategic Economic Policies: Reduce critical dependencies on China for key industries like semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.
  For example: India’s semiconductor push with Vedanta and Micron boosts domestic capacity.
• Maritime Expansion: Strengthen naval presence in the Indo-Pacific to counter China’s influence.
  For example: India commissioned INS Vikrant, its first indigenous aircraft carrier.
• Cyber security and Intelligence: Enhance digital infrastructure to prevent cyber threats from China.
  For example: CERT-In detected multiple Chinese cyber intrusions in Indian power grids.
• Diplomatic Autonomy: Maintain a balanced approach by engaging all global powers without over-reliance on any single country.
  For example: India joined I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-U.S.) while keeping BRICS engagement intact.

India’s China strategy must blend pragmatic diplomacy with strategic resilience. Strengthening border infrastructure, QUAD engagements, and defense modernization will ensure deterrence, while economic diversification and calibrated dialogue can mitigate risks. Expanding initiatives like Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and regional alliances will enhance long-term sovereignty and strategic autonomy amidst evolving geopolitics.

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