Should India Overlook Border Disputes to Improve Ties with China?
India and China share a long, disputed border that has caused several military standoffs, most notably the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. These incidents have strained diplomatic, trade, and cultural ties. The question now is whether India should set aside boundary issues to restore broader relations.
Proponents argue that normalising ties could revive trade, investment, and people-to-people connections. China remains one of India’s largest trading partners, and easing tensions could help both economies. Strategic cooperation in global forums like BRICS and the G20 may also benefit from better ties.
However, critics warn that overlooking territorial issues risks undermining India’s sovereignty and national security. Any compromise could set a dangerous precedent, weakening India’s negotiating power and public trust.
A more balanced approach could involve parallel engagement: maintaining firm positions on border issues while cooperating on trade, climate, and global diplomacy. Confidence-building measures—like military dialogues and de-escalation—can help manage tensions without sacrificing core interests.
In conclusion, India should not ignore border issues, but neither should it freeze all engagement with China. A pragmatic, dual-track strategy may serve India’s interests best in an increasingly multipolar world.
