DEVELOPMENTS IN SINO-INDIAN RELATIONS: IMPLICATIONS FOR SOUTH ASIA AND PAKISTAN

Abstract

India and China, two eminent powers of Asia present unique chemistry of conflictual and cooperative relationship. The war of 1962, which led to 15 years of diplomatic stalemate and the longstanding territorial conflict on the Himalayan border, is the hallmark of Sino-Indian bilateral relations. Nevertheless, since the revival of political relations by 1978, till the present state of affairs, frequent high-level exchange of visits, and steadfastness in all areas of cooperation show that both countries are focusing more on commonality and less on dissonance at bilateral level. However, at the regional level particularly in strategic calculus of South Asia, the proclamation of Sino-Indian relations —despite their commitments to cooperate and bring mutual consensus—are different from actions. Looking at Sino-Indian relations under the realm of “Greater South Asia” and Indian Ocean, the intentions and statements of China and India are also poles apart.  Therefore, while keeping in view the unprecedented changes in the strategic calculus of Sino-Indian relations and South Asian Strategic Triangle of Sino-India-Pakistan, there are vast implications for Pakistan.  Owing to growing misunderstanding between Pakistan-India relations on the one hand and Pakistan-China deepening relations particularly after the landmark China-Pakistan Economic Corridor agreement on the other hand, Indian attitude seems catastrophic in the future regional sustainable peaceful environment. Hence, this study extensively evaluates Sino-Indian bilateral relations regarding its historical and contemporary developments. Simultaneously, the paper presents a debate on the implications Pakistan in the perspective of South Asian Strategic Triangle of Sino-India-Pakistan. It concludes that all three players will have to work jointly for the stable mutually beneficial relationship and the regional development.