Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh met the Chinese State Councillor and Minister of National Defence General Li Shangfu in New Delhi on 27 April, 2023, ahead of the SCO Defence Ministers Meeting, to discuss bilateral issues and border disputes between the two countries. The disputes have their origin in the differing perceptions of the two countries of the border demarcation between them since decades back. The current chapter started in June 2020 with the Chinese executing multiple ingressions along the Line of Actual Control between the two countries. A flareup had ensued resulting in 20 Indian soldiers being killed at the Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladakh.
Just a couple of days back, a Corps Commanders level meeting was held between the two armies. This was the 18th Corps Commander level talks. No official communique has been issued by either side offering details of the discussions. However, it was speculated that the talks were meant to set the stage for the meeting between the two defence ministers.
The Indian press release states the position taken by Rajnath Sigh at the meeting. Rajnath Singh categorically conveyed that “Development of relations between India and China is premised on prevalence of peace and tranquility at the borders.” He added that, “All issues at the LAC need to be resolved in accordance with existing bilateral agreements and commitments.”
The Chinese tend to view the border issue as a tactical one that shouldn’t affect the overall strategic relationship between the two countries. They expect trade and commerce between the two countries to flow as normal, notwithstanding their aggressive activities along the borders. The Indian position calls for resolving the border issues on priority. Rajnath singh, during the meeting reiterated that, “Violation of existing agreements has eroded the entire basis of bilateral relations.” He felt that disengagement at the border will logically be followed with de-escalation.
The deterioration of the border situation has its ramifications on other issues, at least as apparently viewed by the Chinese leadership. India joining the QUAD is viewed by the Chinese as an inimical step. They consider the QUAD as essentially an anti-Chinese structure. Further, with most southeast Asian nations also experiencing similar Chinese territorial claims and nibbling of their areas, there is an obvious common cause that nurtures greater bonding between India and some of these countries. A vexing issue, that causes much annoyance to the Chinese.
In fact, the erosion of faith in China and skepticism about its strategic intent has led to a build-up in the Indo-pacific. The AUKUS with Australia, UK and the USA is also in place; much to China’s chagrin.
Quite a few countries in the South China Sea area have increased their military expenditure and strengthened old alliances. The Australians recently published strategic review of their defence preparedness. Their threat perception is mostly from the North, and also fears concerning their connectivity with the world through the Sea Lanes of Communications. They are reorienting their forces to battle integrated and engage an aggressor at longer ranges. The nuclear-powered submarines to be inducted, will be bolstered by F35 fighters with long range missiles. Modern Infantry Combat Vehicles will fight as a part of mechanized forces.
The Rajnath – Shangfu meet having taken place, surely some areas of concern to both countries would have been addressed; hopefully to mutual satisfaction levels. Notwithstanding the press release, a lot happens at such apex meets that are kept under covers. As far as the Indians are concerned, they were looking for resolution in Eastern Ladakh. Apparently, that will take more time.
Brig SK Chatterji (Retd)
