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DEVELOPMENTS THAT RATTLED CHINA IN A FORTNIGHT

Syllabus:

• GS 2: India and its Neighbourhood- Relations.

Why in the news ?

Recent developments in Sino-Indian relations and India’s strategic achievements spark tensions and objections from China.

About the Causes of the India-China Conflict:

• Territorial Disputes: The lack of a clearly demarcated border and the

absence of a mutually agreed Line of Actual Control (LAC) have led to frequent tensions and confrontations along the India-China border.

• Historical Conflicts: Past conflicts, such as the 1962 Indo-China war, have left unresolved territorial disputes and deep-seated mistrust between the two countries.
• Strategic Partnerships: India and China’s partnerships with each other’s main adversaries, such as the Soviet Union/Russia and the United States, have hindered efforts to establish strategic cooperation between them.

 source: tribuneindia

• Power Imbalance: China’s significant economic and military superiority over India has created a power imbalance, making it challenging for India to assert its interests without risking escalation.
• Infrastructure Development: China’s extensive infrastructure development in Tibet, including military installations and transportation networks, has raised security concerns for India and contributed to a security dilemma.
• Regional Competition:

Competition for influence in South Asia and beyond has led to geopolitical rivalries between India and China, exacerbating tensions along their shared borders.

• Nationalism and Domestic Politics: Nationalistic sentiments and domestic political considerations in both countries often fuel tensions and inhibit diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes peacefully.
• Geopolitical Ambitions: Both India and China harbour ambitions for regional and global influence, leading to competition and occasional clashes as they seek to assert their interests.
• Border Incursions: Incidents of border incursions by both Indian and Chinese troops, often driven by strategic or tactical objectives, have further strained bilateral relations.
• Lack of Dialogue and Trust: A lack of consistent dialogue and trust-building measures between India and China has perpetuated misunderstandings and increased the risk of conflict escalation.

About Developments in Sino-Indian Relations:

• Sela Tunnel Inauguration:
  • Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Sela Tunnel, costing ₹825 crore, at 3,000 metres
  • China objected due to Arunachal Pradesh’s territorial claim and India’s assertion of sovereignty.
• Strategic Significance:
  • The tunnel enhances rapid troop deployment to Arunachal Pradesh, boosting India’s strategic confidence.
  • It acts as a force multiplier for India’s military in border regions, including Kameng.

• Military Implications:
  • Provides a psychological boost to India’s military commanders.
  • Facilitates all-weather troop induction, crucial for maintaining border security.
  • Technological Advancements:
• Agni-5 Missile Test:
  • India tested the Agni-5 missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.
  • MIRVs enhance India’s nuclear deterrence capability by targeting multiple locations.
• Strategic Implications:
  • India’s technological advancements worry China, affecting its perceived strategic advantage.
  • China aims to maintain dominance, viewing India’s progress as a threat to its regional hegemony.

Importance of Arunachal Pradesh from Indian/Chinese perspective:

Strategic Significance:

• Arunachal Pradesh, formerly known as NEFA, is the largest state in Northeast India.
• It shares international borders with Tibet, Bhutan, and Myanmar, making it strategically significant.
• Acts as a protective shield for the northeast region of India.

Territorial Dispute:

• China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet, leading to a territorial dispute.
• China’s primary interest lies in Tawang district, situated in the north-western region of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering Bhutan and

China’s Response and Concerns:

• Hostility and Provocations:
  • China resorts to various measures to keep India on the defensive, including military manoeuvres.
  • Recent provocations include maritime encroachments and aggressive posturing along the

• Grey Zone Relations:
  • Keeping Sino-Indian relations ambiguous hinders mutual progress.
  • China’s reluctance to acknowledge India’s rise impedes bilateral cooperation.

Way Forward/Future Prospects:

• India’s Growth Potential:
  • India possesses the potential to emerge as a significant global player.
  • Technological achievements and demographic advantages position India for rapid growth.

• Opportunities for Collaboration:
• India’s progress can benefit both nations through collaboration and cooperation.
• Addressing misperceptions and building trust is crucial for fostering constructive relations.

Conclusion:

Both nations must recognize each other’s aspirations and potential. Maintaining a cooperative relationship is essential for regional stability and global prosperity. Resolving misunderstandings and promoting dialogue can pave the way for mutually beneficial collaboration. Embracing India’s rise as a middle power offers opportunities for shared growth and prosperity.

Source:

https://www.newindianexpress.com/opinions/2024/Mar/18/developments-that-rattled-china-in-a-fortnight#:~:text=Militarily%2C%20the%20Sela%20tunnel%20acts,Indian%20border%20war%20in%201962.

Mains Practice Question:

Discuss the strategic significance of the Sela Tunnel , along with the implications of India’s technological advancements, particularly the Agni-5 missile test.