The India-China Relationship

The relationship between India and China is described as a fraught rivalry marked by territorial disputes and conflicting visions of their place in Asia. While they have historically resorted to diplomacy rather than war, recent events, such as the deadly border clashes in 2020, have strained the relationship. The Indian government initially aimed for closer ties with China under the belief that dialogue and compromise could reduce tensions. However, these efforts were not successful, leading to a breakdown in trust. The border clashes in 2020 were seen as a watershed moment, evoking painful memories of the 1962 war and deepening Indian public opinion against China. The incident highlighted China's unwillingness to resolve bilateral issues diplomatically and pushed India closer to the West.