China, India and New Delhi’s Quad Dilemma

Context

• In September 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the United States to attend another meeting of the Quad nations (Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S.).
• This visit marked possibly the most significant meeting of the Quad to date, solidifying what appears to be a security alliance aimed at containing China across the Indo-Pacific region.

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• Despite lacking formal mutual defence declarations, the “four maritime democracies” seem united against China.
• The absence of direct mentions of countries like China in documents like the Wilmington Declaration leaves little doubt about their intentions .

Deteriorating India-China Relations

• Despite soothing statements from Indian military and civilian leaders, the current relations between India and China are deteriorating steadily.
  • Examples: Border tensions in regions like Galwan, Depsang Plains, and Demchok.
• Indian forces remain unable to patrol several areas in Ladakh which is acting as a friction point.
• Under Xi Jinping, China exhibits increasingly aggressive nationalism.
• Territorial claims over thousands of square kilometres in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh date back to early 1950s maps created during predecessor regimes.
  • These claims lack official sanctity yet continue unabatedly.
• For China, India’s membership within the Quad represents a significant threat due to its association with what it views as aS.-led coalition against Chinese interests.
  • The Wilmington Declaration further exacerbates these concerns by indicating a grand design aimed at encirclement and containment.

Strategic Approach for India

• To avoid adverse repercussions from confrontational politics or perceived alignment with Western nations targeting China, India must tread carefully.
• This includes avoiding actions that could escalate tensions unnecessarily while maintaining strategic independence without appearing part of any anti-China alliance
• Understanding the claims over territorial claims is crucial for managing Chinese behaviour effectively.

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