India needs to exercise caution and meticulously verify China's actions before extending trust, according to Professor Srikanth Kondapalli, a leading expert in Chinese Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Kondapalli's assessment comes amid ongoing border tensions and concerns regarding China's support for cross-border terrorism, its infrastructure projects, and its growing relationship with Pakistan.
In an interview with ANI, Kondapalli highlighted the persistent lack of complete disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh following the standoff that began in April-May 2020. Despite multiple rounds of negotiations and some disengagement, full de-escalation and de-induction of troops have not occurred. This continued military presence raises concerns about China's intentions and commitment to resolving the border dispute peacefully.
Kondapalli also pointed to China's double standards regarding cross-border terrorism faced by India. He referenced the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, where one of the terrorists was found to be carrying a Huawei phone with a Chinese satellite connection. According to Kondapalli, the terrorist was using the phone to send messages back to Pakistan after the attack, suggesting a potential Chinese role in the incident. He also alluded to China's support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.
Furthermore, Kondapalli raised concerns about China's construction of the world's largest dam on the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra River, despite India's concerns about the potential impact on water flow and downstream communities. Such projects, undertaken without adequate consultation with neighboring countries, can exacerbate tensions and undermine trust.
Kondapalli recalled former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's advice on dealing with China: "We should trust China, but we should verify". He emphasized the importance of gathering intelligence, seeking information, and scrutinizing actions to ensure that they align with China's stated intentions.
The expert highlighted that a Brigadier-level officer from Pakistan is placed in China's Western Theatre Command, coordinating between the command structures of China and Rawalpindi. This coordination suggests a deeper level of military cooperation between China and Pakistan, which has implications for India's security. Kondapalli warned that recent developments signal a coordinated military and diplomatic effort by China and Pakistan to strategically confine India to the South Asia region.
While acknowledging the economic interdependence between India and China, Kondapalli stressed that security concerns cannot be overlooked. Despite being India's largest trading partner, China has been reluctant to invest significantly in India and continues to impose non-tariff barriers on Indian exports. For India to become the third-largest economy, there is an urge to surpass the current $70 billion in inward investment.
Kondapalli's analysis underscores the complex nature of India-China relations. While both countries have engaged in cultural exchanges and diplomatic efforts to improve bilateral ties, significant challenges remain. The need for India to remain vigilant and prioritize verification reflects the persistent trust deficit and the potential for miscalculation in the relationship.
