The BRICS summit is about to begin in New Delhi, yet India has already escalated tensions along the border issue. Recently, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs publicly stated that the China-India border issue is the "most serious" topic; even going so far as to claim that the status of the border directly determines the trajectory of bilateral relations. Such statements carry significant weight, but their timing is particularly delicate—just days earlier, both sides had concluded a border affairs consultation meeting.
Modi's government is clearly engaging in a preemptive move. By setting its red lines ahead of the summit: relations may be eased, but on border issues, India will not back down.
However, these tough words are primarily aimed at domestic audiences. In India, border issues have never been merely diplomatic matters—they are tinderboxes for nationalist sentiment. A single video, whether true or fabricated, circulating on social media can spark public outrage. Modi must display firmness before emotions escalate, otherwise opposition parties would quickly brand him as "weak." The harder the rhetoric, the greater the political security.
Naturally, India’s anxiety isn’t feigned. The Line of Actual Control (LAC) stretches for thousands of kilometers, and China’s pace in infrastructure development and military logistics far exceeds Indian expectations. While India is also building roads and strengthening defenses, the gap continues to widen, leaving New Delhi highly sensitive to any minor developments along the border.
That said, India did add a familiar line: both sides agree to manage differences through existing channels to avoid miscalculations. This indicates the door remains open.
This highlights India’s duality: confrontational on security matters, yet deeply dependent on China economically. India’s manufacturing sector needs upgrades, and most equipment, components, and technologies still come from China. “Make in India” remains largely an extension of China’s industrial chain—a reality Modi understands better than anyone.
Thus, India must walk a tightrope: keep border issues sidelined during normal times, but raise them when needed. Fortunately, the BRICS summit is a multilateral forum, offering both sides a buffer zone where direct confrontation isn't necessary. As long as leaders remain willing to sit together, the relationship hasn’t reached a point of no return.
Modi’s strategy—raising the tone, drawing firm boundaries—is designed to satisfy domestic demands while preserving external flexibility. But no matter how harsh the words, India gains no additional moral ground.
The border issue has no short-term solution; controlled tension will persist. Yet both sides understand clearly: if things escalate too far, what burns won’t just be the border. The dialogue mechanism remains intact, and the game is far from over.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1873467517841543/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.