Context:
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently highlighted that India faces a unique set of challenges with China, termed as the “special China problem,” which extends beyond the global issues commonly associated with China. During his speech at a forum, Jaishankar emphasized the need for careful scrutiny of Chinese investments, especially considering the ongoing border tensions and the broader state of bilateral relations between India and China.
Relevance:
GS II: International Relations
Dimensions of the Article:
- Highlights of the External Affairs Minister’s Speech on India-China Relations
- India-China Border Dispute: Key Points
- Current Infrastructure Developments by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) along the India-China Border
Highlights of the External Affairs Minister’s Speech on India-China Relations
- Unique Challenges with China: India faces distinctive challenges with China, separate from the broader global issues posed by China’s rise. The “special China problem” in India goes beyond the general concerns of countries like the USA or European nations.
- Investment Scrutiny: India’s scrutiny of Chinese investments is deemed justified due to strained border relations. Similar scrutiny is observed in countries without direct borders with China due to security concerns.
- Diplomatic Progress: Recent India-China talks, initiated in May 2020, have shown progress in resolving border disputes, marked by the new approach to “narrow down the differences,” signaling a constructive development in negotiations.
- Trade Deficit Concerns: The External Affairs Minister, Jaishankar, discussed the trade deficit with China, noting it results from China’s unique production advantages, which were previously overlooked by India and other countries.
- Economic and Security Nexus: The intersection of economics and national security is becoming more pronounced, especially concerning reliance on Chinese technology in sectors like telecommunications, which could pose security risks.
- Ongoing Border Standoff: The longstanding border standoff between India and China has seen extensive troop deployments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh, with ongoing issues in areas like Depsang Plains and Demchok, despite some resolutions.
India-China Border Dispute: Key Points
The India-China border dispute centers around several crucial aspects:
- Complex Territorial Disputes: The dispute involves the lengthy and intricate territorial disagreements along the 3,488-kilometer shared border between India and China.
- Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh: The main contested regions are Aksai Chin in the west and Arunachal Pradesh in the east.
- Aksai Chin: China administers Aksai Chin within its Xinjiang region, while India regards it as part of Ladakh. This area’s significance lies in its proximity to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its potential military importance.
- Arunachal Pradesh: China claims the entirety of Arunachal Pradesh, referring to it as “South Tibet,” but India administers it as a northeastern state.
- Undefined Demarcation: The border lacks a clear demarcation, and certain stretches lack a mutually agreed Line of Actual Control (LAC). The LAC was established post the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
- Three Sectors: The India-China border is divided into Western (Ladakh), Middle (Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand), and Eastern (Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim) sectors.
- Historical Military Standoffs: The dispute has resulted in multiple military confrontations and conflicts, notably the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Both nations have pursued agreements and protocols to manage tensions and maintain peace along the border.
- Recent Confrontations: Notable recent conflicts occurred in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley in 2020 and Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang in 2022.
- Escalation Trend: Observers on both sides of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) recognize an increase in significant military confrontations since 2013.
Current Infrastructure Developments by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) along the India-China Border
- Alternate Route to Leh: The BRO is nearing the completion of crucial road patches, ensuring all-weather connectivity on an alternate route to Leh.
- Key Projects:
- Nimu-Padam-Darcha Road: This project involves enhancing the connectivity on this critical route.
- Shinku La Tunnel: Initiating construction of what will be the world’s highest tunnel at 15,800 feet, aiming to enhance strategic connectivity.
- Leh Access Routes: Currently, Leh can be accessed via:
- Srinagar-ZojiLa-Kargil route
- Manali-Rohtang route
- Nimu-Padam-Darcha road
- Shinku La Tunnel Impact: This tunnel will cut the distance between Manali and Leh by 60 km, providing a third reliable all-weather route.
- Strategic Road Development:
- LAC Connectivity: Focus on establishing roads parallel to the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh, including critical routes from Leh to Demchok and from Durbuk to Nyoma via Chushul.
- ICBR Programme: Under the India-China Border Roads initiative, there is a concerted effort to complete 73 strategic roads in the first two phases in regions like Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
- Major Frontier Highway: Construction of a nearly 1,800-km highway in Arunachal Pradesh to improve access to key locations near the Myanmar border.
- Additional Projects:
- Sungal Tunnel: This tunnel on the Akhnoor-Poonch National Highway is prioritized along with the Lipulekh Pass Road on the Mansarovar Yatra route.
- Increased Budget and Development: Since 2020, there has been a notable increase in the budget allocations for infrastructure development in Ladakh and the Northeast, underlining the strategic importance of these projects for national security.
-Source: The Hindu
