The "Boundary Settlement" between India and China: a dilemma

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Abstract

Following Narendra Modi’s maiden visit to China in May 2015, the Joint Statement that was released by India and China, affirmed that: “an early settlement of the boundary question serves the basic interests of the two countries and should be pursued as a strategic objective by the two governments”. Nonetheless, this joint determination to seek a political settlement to the protracted border issue is tainted by great pessimism and speculations. Despite a strong political will on each side, and incentives, such as various agreements and confidence building measures, the ‘boundary problem’ remains unresolved and rather more complicated. Neville Maxwell rightly notes: “the border dispute between India and China stands exactly where it did when it first emerged half a century ago”. The increased military standoffs between Indian and Chinese troops at the disputed border further delay the political settlement, and add fuel to the stagnancy. Given this, what is noteworthy is that although on the surface, the India-China border remains peaceful, it still serves as a delicate flashpoint in the bilateral relationship. There remains a compounded risk of escalation as a result of miscalculations born out of ‘trust deficit’