As we enter the new year, India and China are poised at an ambiguous juncture in their relations. There has been a thaw after an extended period of turbulence since the summer of 2020, but its structural impediments persist. Disengagement of Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh has been achieved, but military deployment in abnormally high numbers continues for the fifth successive winter; the process of de-escalation has not commenced yet. The paradigm governing the relationship for over three decades, already enfeebled, broke down in 2020, and the quest for a new equilibrium has an uncertain prognosis, with no agreed road map available.
There was a flurry of meaningful high-level meetings in the last quarter of 2024, including between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping at Kazan on October 23, between the external affairs minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and foreign minister Wang Yi at Rio de Janeiro on November 18, and the resumption of the dialogue between the special representatives (SRs) after five years with national security advisor Ajit Doval meeting his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Beijing on December 18. Relations have stabilized but are still not normal.
In his statement in Lok Sabha on December 3, the EAM was correct in not suggesting a major forward movement in India-China relations, indicating instead that recent developments have set bilateral ties in the direction of "some improvement" and adding that the conclusion of the disengagement phase "allows us to consider other aspects of our bilateral engagement in a calibrated manner, keeping our national security interests first and foremost." He was right in not encouraging the suggestion coming from certain quarters about a "reset" in India-China relations.
Where do we go from here?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
IREDA Board Approves Plan to Raise Up to ₹5,000 Cr Fund via QIP
State-owned Ireda on Thursday said its board has approved a plan to raise up to ₹5,000 crore fund through the qualified institutions placement (QIP) route.
Shubhankar eyes a happy homecoming
In terms of statistics alone, Shubhankar Sharma has had a pretty consistent 2024 where he made the cut 21 times in 26 starts and had two top-10 finishes in Europe's DP World Tour.
Everyone's All For Indigenous Rights Until You Tell Them Your Village Is Bandra
Last week's high-profile break-in once again cast the spotlight on Bandra. From Queen of Suburbs, Bandra has become the golden goose, argues Genesia Alves. And we all know how that tale ends
WhatsApp to continue to share metadata for ads to Meta: NCLAT
Digital Personal Data Protection Act is likely to be imposed which may cover all issues related to data protection and data sharing ASHOK BHUSHAN, NCLAT Chairperson
Adani Energy Solutions Net Profit Up 80% in Q3
Adani Energy Solutions on Thursday posted a nearly 80% rise in its consolidated net profit to ₹625.30 crore in the December quarter compared to a year ago on the back of higher revenues.
New LA fire expands, forcing evacuations
A new wildfire that broke out north of Los Angeles on Wednesday rapidly spread to more than 38 square km, fueled by strong winds and dry brush, forcing mandatory evacuation orders for more than 31,000 people.
Ultratech Cement Reports Net Profit of ₹1,473 Cr for Q3
Aditya Birla group firm UltraTech Cement Ltd on Thursday reported a consolidated net profit of ₹1,473.51 crore for the third quarter ended December 31, 2024.
Infosys Expands Its Campus in Hyd, to Create 17,000 New Jobs
Infosys Ltd, India's second-largest IT services firm and Telangana government have agreed to further strengthen their strategic partnership with the expansion of Infosys' IT campus at Pocharam here which will create additional 17,000 jobs.
CSMT Gets Ready for Train Centenary
Central Railway (CR) is racing against time to clean up the heritage Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) building before February 3, the date when the first train ran on the electrified section back in 1925 between the then Bombay Victoria Terminus and Kurla.
Djokovic up for Zverev challenge
American rallies from a set down to reach her first final at the Australian Open; Sabalenka goes past best friend Badosa
