The Limits of Rapprochement Between India and China

A genuine rapprochement between India and China is unlikely due to enduring structural frictions, despite recent signs of cooperation. The unresolved Himalayan border dispute remains the central source of mistrust, marked by historical conflicts and ongoing military buildups. Contradictory actions, including Chinese economic coercion and support for Pakistan, undermine diplomatic gestures and high-level meetings. Ultimately, India remains wary of China's efforts to constrain its strategic space and expand its regional influence, making any normalization of relations fragile.