UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 04th April 2025

Home UPSC Current Affairs Dragon-Elephant duet: Xi Jinping’s congratulatory message to President Murmu on 75th anniversary of India-China ties

Dragon-Elephant duet: Xi Jinping’s congratulatory message to President Murmu on 75th anniversary of India-China ties

Why in News?

The 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic relations highlights the importance of fostering closer ties, with President Xi Jinping describing the partnership as a “cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant.”

Background

75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations: Marks a significant milestone in India-China bilateral ties.
Xi Jinping’s Congratulatory Message: Emphasized the importance of fostering closer ties between the two nations.
“Cooperative Pas de Deux”: Xi described the relationship as a “cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant,” symbolizing mutual benefit and cooperation.
Historical and Cultural Ties: The metaphor highlights the deep-rooted historical and cultural connections between India and China.
Strategic Significance: Reflects the growing importance of India-China relations in the global context.

Key Points

Strategic Importance of India-China Relations:
- President Xi emphasized the need for a “strategic and long-term perspective” in handling bilateral ties.
- Both nations should focus on mutual trust, mutual benefit, and common development to ensure the peaceful coexistence of neighboring major countries.
- India and China, as major developing countries and important members of the Global South, have a crucial role in shaping global affairs.
Cultural and Civilizational Ties:
- Xi referred to both nations as “ancient civilizations” and highlighted their deep-rooted cultural connections.
- The relationship between India and China is built on centuries of shared history, which forms a strong foundation for cooperation.
Bilateral Cooperation on Global Issues:
- The two countries are at a critical stage in their respective modernization drives and should cooperate to push for world multipolarization and democracy in international relations.
- Both nations should deepen communication and coordination on major international issues to foster a peaceful and prosperous global environment.
Emphasis on Border Peace:
- Despite the ongoing border disputes, there is a renewed focus on peace and stability in the China-India border regions.
- The two nations have agreed to work together to safeguard peace and tranquility along their borders, which have been a point of tension, especially following the 2020 Galwan clashes.
Recent Diplomatic Engagements:
- In March, India and China discussed resuming dialogue mechanisms in a “step-by-step” manner, focusing on priority areas of mutual concern.
- The meeting between Indian Joint Secretary (East Asia) Gourangalal Das and Chinese Director General Liu Jinsong in Beijing highlighted the progress made since the October 2024 meeting between PM Modi and President Xi in Kazan.
India’s Optimism for Bilateral Relations:
- PM Modi, in a recent interview with American podcaster Lex Fridman, emphasized that normalcy is returning to the border.
- He expressed optimism about India’s relationship with China, emphasizing cultural and civilizational ties and the importance of mutual understanding.

Opportunities and Challenges

Opportunities:
- The 75th anniversary offers an opportunity to rebuild trust, strengthen strategic cooperation, and address bilateral concerns.
- There is potential for expanding cooperation in areas like trade, infrastructure development, and climate change, which will benefit both countries.
Challenges:
- Despite positive rhetoric, the ongoing border disputes and differing national priorities continue to pose challenges to bilateral relations.
- The path forward will require careful handling of sensitive issues, with both countries prioritizing peace and stability in the region.

This anniversary marks a significant moment for both nations to reflect on their shared history and future prospects while navigating the complexities of modern geopolitics.