Engage, Dis-Engage and Re-Engage: Analysing Beijing-Delhi Relations since the Post-Cold War Period

Abstract

China and India are interlinked through their civilization, culture, economy, trade, and technology. Their interactions are increasing yet constrained by certain political and territorial disputes. The current state of their relations appears to be disengaged by the events, such as Chinese blockage of Indian entry into NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group) in 2016, and their military confrontation at Doklam plateau in the year 2017, re-engaged at Wuhan on April 28, 2018, but again dis-engaged due to conflict at Ladakh (Galwan Valley) 2020, shows how their relations have engaged and disengaged. This paper examines how both states have engaged, disengaged, and re-engaged since the Post-Cold War period. The study finds that both countries have huge potential and opportunities to expand and deepen their economic and trade ties not only for their mutual interest but also for the region at large. It concludes that the nature of their relations would remain highly competitive in terms of trade and economy, oil, and energy, gaining status, and influence at the regional and global levels.