The Sino-Indian Border Dispute: India's Current Options

The Sino-Indian border dispute is the result of the failure of India and China to agree upon the exact delimitation of their boundary within the complexities of the Himalayas. India maintains that there were treaties between India and Tibet delimiting certain sections, while the rest of the boundary was well-known and established through custom and tradition. The Chinese question Tibets past authority to conclude treaties, and insist that the Sino-Indian boundary still requires delimitation. At present in the West, China occupies the Aksai Chin plateau, which India disputes in the East, China claims territory in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. This study traces the origin and genesis of this vexing issue which remains a major hurdle in attempts to improve bilateral relations. It analyzes the conflicting claims in context of their historical perspective, and more importantly, in light of emerging geopolitical realities and changing imperatives. The growing U.S. strategic convergence with India has also been taken into account. The study critically examines Indias options to resolve the dispute. The option recommended takes into account the strategic compulsions of both sides and reflects the spirit of mutual understanding and accommodation.