Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.
3. Smart balancing China in Southern Asia and beyond must form a key element in India’s grand strategic planning and diplomacy. Discuss. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
Today the Indo-China border is quiet, but the clashes are still reverberating in New Delhi and analysts say future clashes between the world’s two most populous countries cannot be ruled out.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the ways in which India has to deal with a rising 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.
