Peace and Conflict with China
India’s relationship with China began with a friendly stance after the 1949 Chinese revolution. Nehru supported the communist government and helped it in international forums. Despite concerns about potential Chinese aggression, Nehru believed it was unlikely. The 1954 joint enunciation of Panchsheel, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, strengthened the relationship between India and China.
The Chinese Invasion, 1962
The relationship between India and China was strained by two developments: China annexed Tibet in 1950 and a boundary dispute between the two countries. India initially did not oppose this, but as information about the suppression of Tibetan culture emerged, the Indian government grew uneasy. The Dalai Lama sought political asylum in India in 1959. China alleged that India was allowing anti-China activities from within India. A boundary dispute also surfaced, with China claiming two areas within India’s territory. Despite extensive correspondence and discussion, these differences could not be resolved. In 1962, China launched a swift and massive invasion on both disputed regions, causing a sense of national humiliation and strengthening nationalism. The Sino-Indian conflict affected the opposition, leading to irreconcilable differences within the Communist Party of India (CPI). The party split in 1964, and the leaders of the latter faction formed the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M). The war with China alerted the Indian leadership to the volatile situation in the Northeast region, which presented the challenge of national integration and political unity.
Tibet
Tibet, a central Asian region, has been a source of tension between India and China since the 1950s. China claimed administrative control over Tibet, but the Tibetan population opposed this. India tried to persuade China to recognize Tibet’s independence claims. In 1954, the Panchsheel agreement allowed India to concede China’s claim over Tibet. The Dalai Lama informed India about the worsening situation in Tibet, but China assured India that Tibet would receive greater autonomy than any other region.
In 1958, an armed uprising against China’s occupation was suppressed by Chinese forces. In 1959, the Dalai Lama sought asylum in India, which was granted. Over the last half-century, many Tibetans have sought refuge in India and other countries, with Dharmashala in Himachal Pradesh being the largest refuge settlement. In the 1950s and 1960s, political leaders and parties in India supported Tibet’s independence. Tibetans dispute China’s claim of autonomy and believe China aims to undermine the traditional religion and culture of Tibet.
India’s External Relations| Class 12 Political Science
Class 12 Political Science Notes Chapter 4 India’s External Relations: India’s external relations are a complex and ever-evolving topic. In this chapter, we will explore the history, principles, and challenges of India’s foreign policy. We will also examine India’s relationship with its key partners, including the United States, China, and Russia. India’s foreign policy is guided by the principles of non-alignment, peaceful coexistence, and respect for international law. These principles were laid down by Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, and have remained the cornerstone of India’s foreign policy ever since.
It is an important topic in Political Science Class 12. Students can go through this article to get comprehensive notes on the topic ‘India’s External Relations’.
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