Why in the News?

India and China have successfully completed their withdrawal from disputed border areas. The situation has been restored to its state before May 2020, and both countries have agreed on patrolling rules. This is a major step towards improving relations between the two nations.

The India-China Border Dispute: A Complex and Evolving Relationship

• The India-China border, spanning 3,488 kilometers, is not clearly defined, and there is no agreed-upon Line of Actual Control (LAC) in certain sections.
• The border is divided into three sectors:

• Historical Context
  • The roots of the border dispute can be traced back to the British colonial era.
  • After India's independence in 1947, the newly formed Indian government inherited a complex and ambiguous border with China.
  • It drawn by British officials in 1914, was rejected by China, leading to overlapping claims over vast tracts of territory in the Himalayas.
• Key Points of Contention
  • The dispute is particularly acute in the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as part of its Tibet Autonomous Region.
  • Other areas of contention include the Aksai Chin region in western Ladakh, which China has controlled since the 1960s, and the Sikkim border.
• Recent Developments
  • In recent years, the border dispute has intensified, with both India and China engaging in military buildup and infrastructure development along the LAC.
  • A series of standoffs and clashes between the two militaries have occurred, including the deadly Galwan Valley clash in 2020.
• Efforts for Resolution
  • Despite the ongoing tensions, both India and China have engaged in diplomatic efforts to resolve the border dispute.
  • Numerous rounds of talks and negotiations have taken place, but progress has been slow and fraught with challenges.