Topic: India and its neighbourhood- relations
Q4. A healthy and stable India–China relationship serves not only bilateral but also global interests. Evaluate this statement in the context of global governance. Examine the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as a testing ground. Outline strategies for India to maximise its gains. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
Recent India–China talks, Wang Yi’s visit to Delhi, and PM’s acceptance of Xi Jinping’s SCO invite highlight renewed engagement after Galwan, making the issue globally relevant.Key Demand of the question
The question asks to evaluate why stable India–China ties matter for global governance, examine how the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) serves as a testing ground, and outline India’s strategies to secure maximum benefit.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly highlight India–China relations as shaping not only bilateral stability but also global multilateral outcomes.Body
- India–China and global governance: Reform of multilateral institutions, climate leadership, Global South voice, trade stability, health security.
- SCO as testing ground: Counterterrorism cooperation, Afghanistan, connectivity vs BRI, resource security, cyber norms.
- India’s strategies: Issue-based coalitions, plurilateral balancing, resource security, ecological diplomacy, norm shaping.
Conclusion
Emphasise a dual track—firm on sovereignty, pragmatic in global governance—to convert competition into leverage for global influence.
