Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.
2. Strong diplomacy, coupled with enhancing military capabilities to counter Chinese aggression in borer areas should be the way going forward to deal with China. Discuss. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
While repeatedly demonstrating its penchant for “salami-slicing”, at sea as well as on land, China continues to stake its claim to Arunachal Pradesh as “Southern Tibet.” Its determined hostility to India in international forums leaves little room for the hope that “strategic patience” will resolve bilateral problems.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the ways in which India has to deal with China.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context regarding the Indo-China situation.
Body:
Present Background on recent India-China relations; Continuing stand-off: no signs of resolution, disengagement has stalled and talks been fruitless. Rupture bilateral relationship: Political relations are marked by hostility and distrust.
Strategic lessons for India: intensifying strategic competition with China, China more likely to be deterred with threat of political costs rather than material costs, Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is the key, rather than LAC.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
