India's approach to its relationship with China has evolved into what can be best described as 'competitive coexistence'. Discuss in light of recent developments. What should be India's future policy contours on this critical geopolitical issue?

Recently India and China signed agreement on border management, back to the Burmese patrolling and de-escalation. A 'Competitive coexistence' relationship (1) Economic relations → Huge trade deficit → Increasing of trade → India's dependence → 70% AAFTA from China (pharma sector) → Solar power transition China soared solar panels (2) Security issues → India's own vibrant village program to counter Xizang villages of China → NE development focus, counterinsurgency

of the region. (3) Developmental initiatives → China's IMEC, IMT trilateral projects to counter China's BRI → Kizilsu development in Ladakh, NE → Developmental diplomacy of India in Africa and South Asia with India-Japan growth partnership in Africa (4) Geopolitical relations → India's balance between QUAD, BRICS, SCO → Encouragement of ASA BIMSTEC A India's future policy: (1) Verify still not trust China → Maintain balanced approach (2) Increase self-reliance in critical imports → APIs, solar panels, electronics. eg. Limitation hold partnership with

improvement of defense architecture in eastern sector. (4) Negotiations over bilateral talks must continue. eg: Kailash Mangalayar Yatra resumption. (5) Collaboration with like minded democracies eg: QUAD engagement in Indo-Pacific (6) Build global narrative on China-Pakistan terror support and China-Pak nexus in terms of army Chief - "a relation is stable, not normal and sensitive." Thus calibrated approach must be followed.

— Suramya Sharma · AIR 359