Why India is Patching Up with China, Not Pakistan?

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

India and China agreed on border patrolling in Eastern Ladakh, leading to a bilateral meeting after five years between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping.
In contrast, India’s approach towards Pakistan has remained rigid, with no bilateral talks since the Pulwama attack.
Economic and diplomatic benefits exist with China, while terrorism and economic instability hinder progress with Pakistan.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

India and China have made progress in their relations, especially after the recent agreement on border patrolling in Eastern Ladakh. After five years of strained ties, the leaders of both nations met in Russia’s Kazan for a bilateral meeting. This meeting highlights the thaw in relations following the violent Galwan clashes in 2020.

China remains India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $118.4 billion in 2023-24. India’s Economic Survey even highlighted the importance of integrating Chinese investments to boost India’s participation in global supply chains. Despite border tensions, China has been open to dialogue, facilitating talks even after the Galwan incident.

On the other hand, relations with Pakistan remain frozen since the 2019 Pulwama attack. Terrorism, economic instability, and political turmoil in Pakistan have made it difficult for India to engage diplomatically. Pakistan’s limited economic prospects and its ongoing support for terrorism have created a deep trust deficit.

While India continues to navigate border issues with China cautiously, the difference in approach towards its two neighbors—China and Pakistan—stems from economic ties with the former and the export of terrorism by the latter. India’s cautious optimism towards China contrasts with its hardened stance against Pakistan, highlighting the complex dynamics in the region.