The simmering border dispute between India and China, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), remains a flashpoint in their bilateral relations. While tensions have flared intermittently—most notably in 1962, 1967, Doklam, and the 2020 Galwan Valley clash—these episodes underscore a critical truth: neither nation benefits from prolonged conflict. Instead, an amicable resolution to the border issue could pave the way for lasting peace, mutual prosperity, and a united front against external manipulations, particularly from the United States, which appears eager to stoke proxy wars for its own geopolitical and economic gains.
Army veteran, Lt Col (Dr) Rajesh Chauhan, who played a key role in many conflicts, says, "An all-out war between India and China would be catastrophic for both nations. India, with its burgeoning economy and aspirations to become a global leader, risks derailing decades of progress. China, despite its military and economic might, faces its own vulnerabilities, including strained relations with multiple neighbors and the looming specter of a Taiwan conflict. A war would drain resources, devastate economies, and destabilize the region, potentially pushing both nations back by decades. The human toll—lives lost, families displaced, and infrastructure destroyed—would be incalculable."
Consider the Ukraine-Russia conflict as a cautionary tale. Ukraine, egged on by Western promises of support, has faced relentless destruction, economic collapse, and a prolonged war with no clear end. Russia, too, has paid a heavy price in sanctions, isolation, and loss of life. If India were to fall into a similar trap, provoked by external powers to confront China, the outcome would be eerily similar: two Asian giants tearing each other apart while the U.S. watches from a safe distance, reaping profits for its weapons industry and advancing its "Make America Great Again" agenda.
In an interview, Chauhan said, "The United States has a clear interest in containing China’s rise, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, where the South China Sea and Taiwan remain contentious issues. By encouraging India to take a confrontational stance, the U.S. could orchestrate a proxy war, much like it has in Ukraine. This would serve multiple purposes: weakening China, stunting India’s growth, and ensuring a steady market for American arms. The U.S. would likely supply India with moral support, intelligence, and weapons, but it would stop short of direct involvement, leaving India to bear the brunt of a prolonged conflict."
Such a scenario would leave both India and China battered, with economies in tatters and development goals set back by decades. India, already grappling with internal challenges, could face a Ukraine-like situation: a nation exhausted, impoverished, and dependent on external aid. China, meanwhile, would be distracted from its ambitions in Taiwan and elsewhere, achieving the U.S.’s goal of containment without firing a single shot.
India’s Defence Minister, during a recent visit to China, rightly emphasized the urgency of delineating the border. The LAC dispute is the primary thorn in India-China relations, and its resolution could unlock a new era of cooperation. Both nations have a rich history of resilience and military prowess—India’s victories in 1967, Doklam, and Galwan Valley demonstrate its strength, just as China’s 1962 war showcased its capabilities. Yet, history also proves that neither side can achieve a decisive, cost-free victory. A war would be protracted, costly, and mutually destructive.
An amicable settlement, on the other hand, would serve both nations’ long-term interests. For India, peace would ensure stability, allowing it to focus on economic growth, infrastructure development, and global leadership. For China, a resolved border with India would reduce regional tensions, freeing resources to address other challenges, such as the South China Sea or domestic economic pressures. Moreover, a stable India-China relationship could counterbalance U.S. influence in Asia, fostering a multipolar world where both nations thrive.
Why to Delay?
China’s hesitation to finalize a permanent boundary is puzzling. The border issue could be resolved through dialogue, potentially in a matter of hours, given the political will. Delays only fuel mistrust and provide external powers with opportunities to exploit divisions. Both nations must recognize that prolonging the dispute plays into the hands of those who benefit from their rivalry—chiefly, the U.S. weapons industry and its geopolitical strategists.
A Call to Leadership
The leaders of India and China—Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping—have a historic opportunity to rise above external provocations and chart a path of peace. By prioritizing dialogue, mutual respect, and a commitment to a delineated border, they can ensure that their nations remain sovereign, prosperous, and free from the shadow of proxy wars. The world does not need another Ukraine-Russia tragedy, nor should Asia’s two giants allow themselves to be pawns in a U.S.-led game of divide and conquer.
Let India and China reject the lure of conflict and embrace the promise of cooperation. A peaceful resolution to the border dispute is not just a necessity—it is a strategic imperative to keep Uncle Sam at a safe distance and secure a brighter future for both nations. The time to act is now.
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