Relationship or only general diplomatic process?: Sabih Ahmed

Sabih Ahmed

India has recently announced the issuance of tourist visas to Chinese citizens. This is happening for the first time between the two countries in the last 5 years, while the two countries are trying to improve their stressful relations. Beijing has also taken notice of this positive development. After India’s announcement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in its statement that “China is ready to contact India and consult and continue to improve the quality of public adaptation between the two countries.” India and China have a normal border over 3000 km and there are border disputes between the two countries. Tension between the two countries intensified when there was a military clash on the Himalayas border in 2020. In response, India banned Chinese investment, banning hundreds of famous Chinese apps and blocked routes for travelers. Meanwhile, China also suspended visas for Indian citizens and other foreigners due to the outbreak of COD -19, but in 2022, issuing visas for students and professional passengers resumed. Tourist visas were still limited to Indian citizens, but in March this year, when the two countries agreed to restore air service directly, they saw a rest.

However, relations between China and India are seeing a gradual improvement in recent months. Last year, several high -level meetings were held in October, including talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Last week, five years later, Indian Foreign Minister Dr. SJ Shankar visited China, which has been the center of focus globally. Is it being speculated whether it is towards a cordial relationship between two traditional rivals or only a general diplomatic process? Various Indian ministers visited China for various meetings at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Now J Shankar has also met Chinese President Xi Jinping. During the recent battle between Pakistan and India, some alleged that China provided weapons to Pakistan or helped Pakistan against India in various ways. Following these allegations, the meeting is being explained as the changing attitude of China and India. But it would not be appropriate to see the journey only in terms of Pakistan. The US tariff is also forcing China and India to get closer despite many differences. While Washington is putting a serious tariff on Beijing, it is also the reason for India’s nose.

India disagrees with many Chinese policies. For example, Delhi is concerned about China’s growing influence in South Asia. It is said that its trade quantity with South Asian countries has doubled in 12 years after China’s belt and road project. There is also reservation in India’s rare minerals and fertilizer export policy in India. Apart from this, Chinese support for Pakistan is also a headache for India. Delhi also looks at Beijing’s growing ties with Dhaka. In view of all these factors, the journey is being removed that India has a strong desire to improve relations with China, but this effort is not only by India, but China has recently provided facilities to Indian pilgrims in Tibet to pay religious rituals. In addition, it has indicated that direct flights between the two countries may start soon. Another reason between India and China is Tibet.

India openly supports the Dalai Lama and has allowed them to establish an interim government here in Dharm Shala. Many Indian ministers participated in the 90th anniversary of the Dalai Lama in the past, which China thanked. China understands that the Dalai Lama’s successor would need their acceptance, while the Dalai Lama rejected it. The issue of Tibetan has been like a thorn in the relations between China and India. There are many more obstacles in the path of Indian-China relations. India, the United States, Japan and Australia are part of a military alliance that clearly aims to tighten around China.

Another dispute is about the Dam of China which is built on the Brahmapatra River. China has officially started construction of $ 170 billion dams on the Tibetan River, about 50 km from the Indian border, called Yring Zhangbo in China. The river enters Arunachal Pradesh, from where it integrates the Bay of Bengal through Assam and then Bangladesh. It is being called the largest dam in the world, and that is why India and Bangladesh, the lower countries of the river, are in serious concern about it. The project for Beijing is a motivator for environmentally friendly energy, employment and slow economy, but it is reviving old concerns for neighboring countries under the river, which is a source of life for millions of people here. China has shared very little information about the construction method of the dam.

And this shortage of China’s information is also increasing water security concerns in India and Bangladesh as these countries rely on irrigation, electricity and drinking water on the Brahmapitra river. The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh has warned that the Chinese dam may dry 80 % of the river and at the same time, if water is released, the risks of floods in lower areas like Assam may increase. In addition, the dam will reduce not only water but also soil flow, which brings the nutrients required for agriculture to fertile grounds. Lack of Beijing’s transparency is strengthening speculation that China can use the dam to prevent water in a possible dispute, while China is rejecting these concerns.