In a recent discussion on the contentious boundary dispute, India and China's Special Representatives have sought to understand each other's perspectives on a myriad of issues. These encompass the need for trade rebalancing, the current situation in Afghanistan, and India's security apprehensions concerning the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Noteworthy Discussions
- The Chinese Foreign Ministry has indicated that both India and China are at a critical juncture in formulating a framework to resolve the boundary issues.
- It's interesting to note that China has successfully conducted bilateral negotiations with 12 of its 14 land neighbours, demarcating approximately 20,000km border line, which constitutes about 90 per cent of its total land boundary.
- To provide clarity on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India has suggested that both countries share details on the actual ground position of troops along the LAC. This measure is proposed with the aim to prevent unintentional transgressions.
- However, China has not yet responded positively to this proposal. Instead, it emphasizes the need for a more detailed explanation of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) to maintain peace along the 3488-kilometer Sino-Indian border.
- India is keen on China expanding market access to goods where India has a competitive advantage, such as pharmaceuticals and Information Technology (IT) products. This is seen as a significant step towards rebalancing trade between the two nations.
- India has expressed security concerns about China's involvement in the development of Pakistan’s Gwadar port, considering its proximity to the energy sea lanes traversing the Strait of Hormuz.
- India also seeks a more detailed discussion with China on the quad dialogue concerning Afghanistan. This dialogue currently excludes India and Russia but includes China, Pakistan, the United States and Afghanistan.
Tags: International Relations, India-China Relations
