GS Paper 2
Syllabus: India-China Relations/ Internal Security
Source: TH
Context: The India-China Border Peace and Tranquility Agreement (BPTA), signed in 1993, marked its 30th anniversary recently, but its contested legacy reflects the fraying mechanisms built to maintain peace on the Line of Actual Control (LAC)
The LAC separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory. It is divided into three sectors:
- Eastern Sector (Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim)
- Middle Sector (Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh)
- Western Sector (Ladakh)
In the Eastern Sector
The alignment of the LAC is along the McMahon Line, named after Sir Henry McMahon, foreign secretary of British India. He drew the 890-km line as the border between British India and Tibet (a part of the 1914 Shimla Convention Between Great Britain, China, and Tibet).
China claims around 90,000 sq km of Arunachal Pradesh — the entire state — as its territory. It calls the area “Zangnan” in the Chinese language and makes repeated references to it as “South Tibet”.
What is the origin of the border dispute with China?
After the communists took over in China (1949), they withdrew from all international agreements citing them to be “unequal treaties” imposed on it during its “century of humiliation” (when China was under colonial regulations) and demanded a re-negotiation of all its borders. China now doesn’t comply with LAC and other border settlements done before 1949.
The India-China conflict is characterized by cycles of conflict and cooperation over 75 years, with recent serious episodes in Galwan Valley (2020) and Tawang (2022).
Historical partnerships and a growing power gap contribute to strategic challenges, while infrastructure build-up, especially in Tibet, has intensified the security dilemma.
For: Bhutan and China boundary talks: Click Here
What is the India-China Border Peace and Tranquility Agreement (BPTA)?
It was signed in 1993 to maintain peace on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). It committed both sides to respecting the status quo, reducing the risk of unplanned confrontations, and minimizing military forces along the LAC.
Other Agreements:
- The Agreement on Confidence Building Measures in the Military Field along the LAC:
- It was signed in 1996, and laid down pledges on non-aggression, prior notification of large troop movements, and exchange of maps to resolve disagreements over the LAC.
- The Border Defence Co-operation Agreement: It was signed in 2013 following the Depsang Valley incident.
Reasons for Breakdown in Border Agreements:
| Reasons |
| 1. Lack of Clear Demarcation: Absence of a mutually agreed Line of Actual Control (LAC) along certain stretches of the border. |
| 2. Increased Military Confrontations: Rise in serious military conflicts since 2013, including notable incidents in Galwan Valley (2020) and Tawang (2022). |
| 3. Three-Sector Division: The India-China border is divided into Western (Ladakh), Middle (Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand), and Eastern (Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim) sectors, each with its own challenges. |
| 4. Historical Partnerships: Both nations’ partnerships with each other’s main enemies, limit strategic cooperation and hinder the development of a strategic partnership. |
| 5. Power Gap: Growing power disparity, with China’s GDP five times that of India’s, makes accommodation challenging for India without seeming to surrender. |
| 6. Infrastructure Build-Up: Intensified military infrastructure development, particularly in Tibet, leading to a security dilemma and potential escalation toward war. |
Way forward for India:
| Action | Description |
| Diplomatic Engagement | Maintain open channels of communication to prevent misunderstandings and de-escalate tensions. |
| Reassess Defence Plans | Evaluate defence acquisition plans for long-term sustainability and capability enhancement. |
| Prepare for Potential Conflict | Enhance military capabilities, especially in the Air Force, Army, and Navy, in anticipation of potential conflict. |
| Allocate Adequate Funds | Consider allocating 3% of GDP for defence, as recommended by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence. |
| Emphasize Negotiations | Adopt a negotiating strategy that highlights India’s strength and readiness to defend its interests. |
| Border Infrastructure Development | Develop border infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, to improve accessibility and reduce conflicts. |
Conclusion:
Diplomatic dialogue, mutual trust-building, and transparent border negotiations are essential for resolving India-China conflicts. Establishing a clear and mutually agreed Line of Actual Control (LAC) and promoting cooperative measures can pave the way for lasting peace.
Insta Links:
Mains Link:
‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’. In light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour. (UPSC – 2017)
