Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Counter-terrorism cooperation between India and China has been a complex and often fraught affair, marked by both strategic convergence and deep-seated mistrust. While both nations face the threat of terrorism, their differing approaches to defining and addressing it, coupled with broader geopolitical tensions, have limited the scope of collaboration. The recent escalation of violence in Xinjiang, involving Uyghur militants, adds another layer of complexity to this dynamic. This incident raises questions about China’s internal security policies, its potential impact on regional stability, and its implications for India-China counter-terrorism efforts, which have seen limited but crucial progress over the years.
Historical Trajectory of India-China Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
Initial engagement began in the early 2000s, driven by shared concerns over extremism in Central Asia and the potential for spillover effects. Key milestones include:
- 2005: Establishment of a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism. This group served as a primary platform for dialogue and information sharing.
- 2006: Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Counter-Terrorism. This formalized the commitment to exchange information, intelligence, and best practices.
- Post-26/11 Mumbai Attacks (2008): Increased engagement, with China expressing support for India’s efforts to combat terrorism. However, this was tempered by China’s reluctance to directly acknowledge the role of Pakistan-based groups.
- BRICS Cooperation: Collaboration within the BRICS framework, particularly through the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group, provided another avenue for engagement.
Areas of Cooperation and Divergence
Cooperation has primarily been limited to information sharing and dialogue. Significant divergences remain in several key areas:
- Definition of Terrorism: India’s broader definition, encompassing state-sponsored terrorism, clashes with China’s focus on separatist movements like the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM).
- UN Sanctions: China has repeatedly blocked India’s attempts to designate Pakistan-based terrorists, such as Masood Azhar, under the UN Security Council 1267 sanctions regime, citing “insufficient evidence.”
- Xinjiang Issue: India has maintained a cautious approach to the Xinjiang issue, balancing its concerns about human rights with its broader strategic interests in maintaining a stable relationship with China.
- Border Dispute: The ongoing border dispute continues to cast a shadow over all aspects of India-China relations, including counter-terrorism cooperation.
Impact of Recent Xinjiang Violence
The recent violence in Xinjiang, attributed to Uyghur militants, has several potential implications for India-China counter-terrorism efforts:
- Increased Chinese Security Concerns: China is likely to further tighten security measures in Xinjiang and increase its crackdown on Uyghur communities, both within China and abroad.
- Potential for Radicalization: The violence could potentially fuel further radicalization among Uyghur communities, increasing the risk of cross-border terrorism.
- China’s Narrative: China will likely reinforce its narrative that the violence is a result of “terrorism, separatism, and extremism,” justifying its harsh policies in Xinjiang.
- Impact on India’s Position: India will face increased pressure from China to demonstrate support for its counter-terrorism efforts in Xinjiang. However, India will need to carefully balance this with its commitment to human rights and its concerns about China’s policies in the region.
- Possible Increased Intelligence Sharing (Limited): China might be willing to share limited intelligence on ETIM, but this is unlikely to extend to information on groups operating against India.
Future Outlook
The future of India-China counter-terrorism cooperation remains uncertain. While both countries have a shared interest in combating terrorism, the deep-seated mistrust and geopolitical tensions are likely to continue to limit the scope of collaboration. A breakthrough in the border dispute is crucial for building trust and fostering greater cooperation. India needs to adopt a pragmatic approach, focusing on areas of mutual interest while remaining firm on its principles.
Conclusion
India-China counter-terrorism cooperation has been a story of limited progress amidst significant challenges. The recent violence in Xinjiang further complicates this dynamic, potentially leading to increased Chinese security concerns and a hardening of its policies in the region. While some limited intelligence sharing may occur, a substantial improvement in cooperation is unlikely without addressing the underlying issues of mistrust and geopolitical rivalry. A nuanced and pragmatic approach, balancing strategic interests with human rights concerns, will be crucial for India in navigating this complex landscape.
Answer Length
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