The New Helmsmen to Steer the Sino-Indian Ship from Conflict to Cooperation

Abstract

The recent visit of the Chinese President Xi Jinping has created a lot of euphoria about the prospects of improving strained Sino-Indian relations. Both the countries are headed by new leadership and is easier to bury the troubled past and make a sincere effort to breath a fresh air into the strained relations. Perhaps Xi's visit to India has taken place at the right time. Narendra Modi's recent visit to Japan and the up gradation of bilateral relations to 'special strategic and global partnership' with the pledge by both the PMs to strengthen economic and security ties, is definitely a no feast to the eyes of Chinese leadership. China troubled by strained relations with its East Asian neighbours couldn't afford to ignore the deepening relations between Japan and India. The Sino-Indian experts expressed optimism over the chances of China wooing India to prevent the growing proximity between India and Japan. It is expected that India could use the Japanese card against China. However, a sober analysis of Chinese president's speech and a few bilateral agreements signed wouldn't hold out much promise to bonhomie between the two countries. The author would look into the circumstances that inhibit improved relations in the immediate future and suggest policy options to warm up the ties.