Cooperation and Conflict in India-China Relations: A Crisis of Confidence Building

Abstract

In the times of globalization and deglobalization, the question that has gained traction is how to manage conflict and maintain good neighbourly relations. Nations have relied on various confidence building measures (CBMs) or the crisis management mechanisms (CMMs) at bilateral, regional as well as multilateral levels. The CBMs, perhaps have not been fully explored in the case of India and China, even if these have been in place or are being negotiated have not been fully examined. More often than not, the interaction is perceived to be an example of adhocism that has led to negativity between the two; a series of stand-offs in 2013, 2014, especially the Doklam and Galwan in 2017 and 2020 point to this and that these have been violated and interpreted according to one’s convenience. This paper aims at studying the cooperation and crisis of confidence building between India and China and their impact on the overall relations. The case study of 1991, 1996, 2005 and 2012 CBMs provides a base for the theoretical discussion. The findings have led to some assumptions through which we could explain the cooperation and crisis management in the context of India and China. It concludes that the cooperation and crisis of confidence building are determined by various variables such as internal and external factors; economic and political factors; asymmetrical force structure and the power shift in the global power structure. The findings have acknowledged the role played by the CBMs in maintaining peace and tranquility along the border, however, the very violation of these will adversely impact the relationship.