India-China Hotline

• 27 Feb 2021

Why in News

Recently, India and China announced that both have agreed to establish a Hotline.

Key Points

• Hotline:
  
  • The decision to install a Hotline between the two countries was taken over a telephonic meeting between India’s External Affairs Minister and China’s Foreign Affairs Minister.
    
    • Hotline is a direct telephone line in constant operational readiness so as to facilitate immediate communication.
  • The Hotline will be helpful in timely communication and exchange of views between the two countries.
• India’s Stand:
  
  • Reiterated the ‘three mutuals’ (mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interests) as the approach to the relationship.
  • Disengagement, followed by de-escalation, will lead to peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and eventually normalisation of ties.
• China’s Stand:
  
  • The boundary situation should not be placed at the front and centre of the relationship, but instead at a “proper place” in overall ties.
  • The indication was the two sides should return to business as usual while the issue is dealt with.
• Recent Developments:
  
  • May 2020: Chinese and Indian forces clashed at Nathu La, Sikkim (India).
    
    • After the Sikkim scuffles, tensions between the two countries rose in Ladakh, with a multi-place mobilization of troops.
  • June 2020: Indian and Chinese armies were engaged in the standoff in Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie in eastern Ladakh which became the heart of the recent LAC tensions.
  • June 2020: India banned 59 apps originating from China.
  • November 2020: India blocked 43 new mobile apps, mostly Chinese.
    
    • The ban has been enforced under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
  • February 2021: India and China decided to finally reach an agreement on disengagement at Pangong Lake.

Way Forward

• It is imperative for the two sides to cherish the hard-won relaxation, and work together to consolidate the progress, keep up the consultation momentum, further ease the situation, and improve the border management and control mechanisms.
• As two big emerging economies, China and India need to pursue development alongside each other, move forward in partnership instead of hindrance, and work together for shared progress rather than erecting walls against each other.
• India and China also need to advance the boundary talks to build up mutual trust and realize peace and tranquility in the border areas.

Source:IE