If diplomacy is a game of perceptions, then the India-China relationship is all about power projections. It is instructive to note that China agreed to political parameters for resolution of the boundary issues after the Indian leadership put its best foot forward and led the relief effort in the wake of the December 2004 tsunami. Once Sri Lanka and the Maldives requested India for help, it moved its navy with relief before even the US. It was only after Beijing read the Indian tsunami initiative and capability in the global context that it decided to move ahead on the boundary issue.

It is very important for the PM to get the Chinese to reaffirm the political parameters as well as convince his counterpart on the need to add substance to the relationship given that the two countries choose to be strategic partners. The Indians must convince their Chinese interlocutors to move fast on the LAC by exchanging maps of western and eastern sectors through the revival of the virtually defunct joint working group as aggressive manoeuvres by Beijing on the disputed borders has the potential of disturbing the peace and tranquility pact. This will give New Delhi the requisite confidence to give a strategic dimension to its largely bilateral ties with Beijing.

The fact is, the Chinese leadership does not consider India its rival. Aggressive statements of its junior diplomats from time to time are indicative of this so-called superior mindset. Yet, Beijing has no option but to improve ties with India as the latter’s rise is seen to be benign, particularly by the West. This is contrary to Western concerns over the rise of China on the global stage. So willy-nilly, it is in Beijing’s interest to add substance to the ties as a resurgent India that is close to the West could be a constraint to Chinese moves on the global stage.

... contd.