China, India and New Delhi’s Quad dilemma

China, India and New Delhi’s Quad dilemma

Context:

The article- “China, India and New Delhi’s Quad dilemma“, discusses the recent developments in India-China relations, focusing on the implications of the Quad meeting attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

  • It explores the deteriorating state of India-China ties, China’s perspective, and the impact of these developments on India’s security and foreign policy.

Relevance:

GS-02 (International Relations)

Dimensions of the Article:

  • What is the issue?
  • State of India-China Relations
  • India’s Border Security Moves
  • China’s Perspective on the Quad
  • Dimensions of the Tie from China’s Point of View
  • Implications for India

What is the issue?

  • The latest Quad meeting, attended by leaders from Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S., concluded with the Wilmington Declaration.
  • While the declaration didn’t mention China directly, it was clearly aimed at countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • India’s increasing involvement with the Quad, which is increasingly being seen as a security alliance, has significant implications for its relations with China.

State of India-China Relations

  • India-China relations have been steadily worsening, especially since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Despite some diplomatic talks, the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains tense.
  • India has ramped up its border defense with more troops and advanced military equipment. In areas like Ladakh, there has been no significant progress in disengagement.
  • China, on the other hand, continues to assert its dominance and appears untroubled by India’s military upgrades, given its much larger defense budget.

India’s Border Security Moves

  • To counter China’s military buildup, India has been strengthening its defense capabilities along the entire length of the China-India border. It is deploying long-range artillery, missiles, and other advanced systems to ensure readiness.
  • Despite assurances from Indian military leaders that the situation is “stable,” tensions remain high, with increased vigilance, particularly in winter when border patrols can be more challenging.

China’s Perspective on the Quad

  • China views the Quad as a direct threat to its influence, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Although the Quad does not formally declare itself a military alliance, the latest developments suggest a move in that direction.
  • China’s leadership, especially under Xi Jinping, sees the Quad’s rise as an effort led by the U.S. to contain China. Xi has made clear in past speeches that China will not tolerate any external interference or attempts to subjugate it.
  • The Quad’s activities, therefore, are seen by China as provocations, which may lead to a stronger response in the future.

Dimensions of the Tie from China’s Point of View

  • China has long made territorial claims over parts of India, especially in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, but these areas are not seen as existential threats by Beijing.
  • China’s real concerns lie with its eastern seaboard and Pacific claims, areas it considers crucial to its sovereignty and future. India’s growing alignment with the Quad and the West, particularly the U.S., is viewed by China as more threatening than border skirmishes, leading to greater unease in Beijing.

Implications for India

  • India’s deepening ties with the Quad and its potential alignment with the U.S. on security matters have both positive and negative implications.
  • On one hand, India stands to benefit from stronger defense and diplomatic ties with powerful nations. On the other hand, China is likely to view this as India joining an anti-China coalition, increasing the risk of further confrontations along the border and in diplomatic spaces.
  • India must be cautious in navigating its relationship with both the Quad and China, balancing its strategic interests without appearing overly aligned with any particular bloc.

Way Forward

  • Balancing Relations: India must carefully balance its growing partnership with the Quad and its long-standing ties with China. Engaging in constructive dialogues while maintaining a strong defense posture is essential to avoid unnecessary escalations.
  • Focus on Diplomacy: Diplomacy remains a key tool for resolving border disputes and other bilateral tensions. India should continue engaging with China through diplomatic channels while simultaneously strengthening regional alliances that do not directly provoke China.
  • Strengthen Internal Defense: While engaging in international alliances, India must also focus on self-reliance in defense technology and border security to deter potential threats from China without overly depending on external powers.