Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The ongoing standoff between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), particularly since the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, represents a significant challenge to India’s security and foreign policy. The LAC, a 3,488 km border, remains largely undemarcated, leading to differing perceptions and periodic transgressions. This situation necessitates a comprehensive strategy encompassing both robust defence preparedness and proactive diplomatic engagement. India’s response must aim to safeguard its territorial integrity, deter further Chinese aggression, and maintain regional stability, while also navigating the complex economic relationship with China.
Defence Options
India’s defence options are geared towards bolstering its capabilities and deterring further Chinese escalation. These can be categorized as short-term and long-term measures.
- Short-Term Measures:
- Enhanced Troop Deployment: Maintaining a significant troop presence in forward areas along the LAC, equipped for high-altitude warfare.
- Infrastructure Development: Accelerating the construction of roads, bridges, tunnels, and habitats to improve connectivity and logistical support for troops. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) plays a crucial role here.
- Advanced Surveillance: Deploying advanced surveillance technologies like drones, radar systems, and satellite imagery to monitor Chinese activities.
- Increased Military Exercises: Conducting joint military exercises with friendly countries in the region to demonstrate interoperability and signal resolve.
- Long-Term Measures:
- Military Modernization: Investing in modern weaponry and equipment, including fighter jets (Rafale, Tejas), tanks, artillery, and missile systems. Focus on theatre-specific capabilities.
- Mountain Strike Corps (MSC): Raising and equipping the MSC, specifically designed for offensive operations in the mountainous terrain. (Originally conceived in 2013, progress has been slow).
- Indigenous Defence Production: Promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing through initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP).
- Strengthening Border Area Development: Incentivizing civilian population to settle in border areas to create a second line of defence and improve intelligence gathering.
Foreign Policy Options
India’s foreign policy options aim to build a coalition of like-minded countries to counter Chinese assertiveness and leverage diplomatic channels for peaceful resolution.
- Strengthening Strategic Partnerships:
- United States: Deepening the strategic partnership with the US through initiatives like the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue – US, India, Japan, Australia). Focus on maritime security, counter-terrorism, and supply chain resilience.
- Japan: Enhancing defence cooperation with Japan, including joint military exercises and technology transfer.
- Australia: Strengthening ties with Australia, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
- European Union: Engaging with the EU to promote a rules-based international order and address concerns about China’s human rights record.
- Diplomatic Engagement with China:
- Bilateral Talks: Continuing dialogue with China at various levels (military, diplomatic, political) to de-escalate tensions and find a mutually acceptable solution. The Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) is a key forum.
- Multilateral Forums: Raising the issue of Chinese aggression in multilateral forums like the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
- Confidence Building Measures (CBMs): Negotiating and implementing CBMs to reduce the risk of miscalculation and unintended escalation.
- Economic Leverage:
- Reducing Dependence on Chinese Imports: Diversifying supply chains and promoting domestic manufacturing to reduce reliance on Chinese goods.
- Restricting Chinese Investments: Scrutinizing and restricting Chinese investments in strategic sectors.
- Promoting Trade with Other Countries: Expanding trade relations with other countries to reduce economic dependence on China.
Comparative Analysis of Approaches
| Approach | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Assertive Defence Posture | Deters further aggression, signals resolve, strengthens bargaining position. | Risk of escalation, increased military spending, potential for miscalculation. |
| Conciliatory Diplomacy | Avoids escalation, maintains dialogue, preserves economic ties. | May be perceived as weakness, could embolden China, slow progress on border resolution. |
| Coalition Building | Provides diplomatic and military support, enhances leverage, promotes a rules-based order. | Requires sustained effort, potential for conflicting interests among partners, may provoke Chinese retaliation. |
Conclusion
Addressing the challenges posed by the India-China standoff requires a nuanced and comprehensive strategy. India must continue to strengthen its defence capabilities, pursue proactive diplomacy, and build strategic partnerships. A combination of assertive deterrence and conciliatory engagement, coupled with economic resilience, is essential to safeguard India’s interests and maintain regional stability. The long-term solution lies in a negotiated settlement of the border dispute based on mutual respect and adherence to international law. A sustained and pragmatic approach is crucial for navigating this complex geopolitical landscape.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.