Defining India-China Relations in PM Modi's 3rd Term

India is getting ready for its 18th general election on April 18, 2024, and it seems likely that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will secure a third term. Just like before, Modi's new term will come with a lot of old and new issues, especially concerning politics, economics, and dealing with China. Even though winning this election might mean Modi continues dealing with the complexities of India-China relations, he appears to have a somewhat stable but fragile connection with China.

Different Views on Modi:

In China, many people view India's leader positively, even calling him ‘Immortal Modi’ or ‘Modi Laoxian’ (‘不朽的莫迪’). They believe he plays a crucial role in maintaining global power balance. On the other hand, Western-style democracy and China's political system are often compared unfairly, with democracy seen as unstable and prone to conflicts while China's system, with its strong leader and nationalism, is considered more stable. Some Chinese perspectives dismiss democracy entirely, suggesting that even democratic countries tend to adopt authoritarian traits.

This debate reflects in how Western media portrays Modi's leadership, with some critics labeling his government as autocratic and illiberal. However, surprisingly, recent comments from China have praised Modi for his economic and foreign policies, suggesting a shift in their perception.

Despite Modi's popularity in India and abroad, there are concerns about his leadership style. Critics argue that he is moving away from democratic principles, minority rights, and accountability, potentially reshaping India into a Hindu-centric nation. However, Modi's supporters believe he is steering India towards development and addressing challenges like illegal immigration and separatism.

India-China Relations:

Although many Chinese people admire Modi, tensions between China and India persist, especially concerning border disputes. Despite friendly gestures from both sides, conflicts along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) continue, reflecting their aspirations for regional and global influence.

The Tibet Issue:

The Dalai Lama's presence in India and India's stance on Tibet complicate relations further. While India hasn't heavily played the 'Tibet card' against China, Modi's recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh stirred controversy, as China claims the region as its own.

Cooperation and Challenges:

India and China have economic ties, but their border issues remain a concern. Still, cooperation is essential, especially in areas like climate change and security. Both countries face economic challenges, but their leaders would likely avoid aggressive actions due to potential economic repercussions.

In summary, India-China relations are complex, with Modi and Xi trying to balance cooperation and rivalry amidst historical and contemporary challenges.