Q4(a). What are the main irritants in relationship between India and China? What steps have been taken by both the countries in last 15 years to remove them? How the Prime Minister's recent visit to China will help in strengthening the relationship between the two countries?

“India and China are two major civilisations destined to shape the Asian century.” – UNESCAP Report

Despite deep economic ties and civilisational links, India–China relations remain complex. The relationship is shaped by strategic competition, unresolved borders, and mutual suspicions yet both states have continued diplomatic engagement to reduce friction.

Main Irritants in India–China Relations

1. Border Dispute and Military Confrontations

• Unresolved 3,488 km boundary involving the western (LAC in Ladakh), middle and eastern (Arunachal Pradesh) sectors.
• Crises like Doklam (2017) and the Galwan Valley clash (2020) heightened mistrust.

2. China’s Support to Pakistan

China–Pakistan Economic Corridor passing through PoK, and Chinese defence supply to Pakistan remain major concerns.

3. Trade Imbalance

India’s trade deficit with China exceeds USD 85 billion, with Indian industries fearing market flooding by cheap Chinese goods.

4. Strategic Competition in Indo-Pacific

China’s naval expansion, military base in Djibouti, and assertiveness in South China Sea affect India’s security calculus.

5. Visa and Political Issues

Stapled visas for residents of Arunachal Pradesh, China’s opposition to India’s UNSC membership, and blocking of terror designations at UN sanctions committees.

Steps Taken in the Last 15 Years to Reduce Tensions

1. Political and Diplomatic Engagement

• Wuhan Informal Summit (2018) and Chennai Summit (2019) to build “strategic communication” and reduce miscalculation.
• Annual BRICS, SCO and G20 interactions.

2. Border Management Mechanisms

• Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC)
• Special Representatives Dialogue
• Border Personnel Meetings to avoid escalation.

3. Economic Cooperation

• Launch of Strategic Economic Dialogue
• Collaboration in renewable energy, IT and pharmaceuticals.

4. Defence Confidence-Building Measures

Protocols for troop disengagement, patrolling limits, and hotline between commanders.

Impact of the Prime Minister’s Recent Visit to China (Generic UPSC Framing)

A high-level visit reinforces the diplomatic channel at the highest political level. Possible gains include:

• Renewed commitment to border de-escalation and early LAC resolution.
• Expanding trade in pharmaceuticals, digital services and manufacturing.
• Stronger cooperation on climate change, WTO reforms and BRICS agenda.
• Soft-power exchanges and tourism revival.

Such visits help stabilise ties in an otherwise competitive relationship.