20 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

3 min

International RelationsPolity & GovernanceNEWS

General Naravane: Unresolved India-China Boundary Affecting Bilateral Ties

Ex-Army chief Naravane says unresolved India-China boundary is the root cause of problems.

Former Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane (retd.) stated that the unresolved India-China boundary is the core issue affecting bilateral relations. Speaking at a literature festival, he emphasized that the boundary remains "nebulous" and India will not tolerate unilateral use of force by China.

He differentiated the India-China boundary from the India-Bangladesh border, noting the former is notional and lacks mutual recognition. Naravane suggested resolving the boundary through dialogue and discussion, highlighting existing agreements to prevent escalation.

Key Facts

General Naravane stated the India-China boundary remains "nebulous".

India emphasizes it will not tolerate unilateral use of force by China.

The India-Bangladesh border is recognized by both countries and marked on a map.

The India-China border is notional.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 2 (International Relations): Bilateral relations between India and China, border disputes

GS Paper 3 (Security): Border management, challenges to internal security

Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs, analytical questions on the impact of border disputes on bilateral relations

In Simple Words

India and China don't agree on where their border is. A former army chief says this disagreement is causing problems between the two countries. It's like arguing with your neighbor about where your property line is – it makes it hard to be friendly.

India Angle

This border issue affects India because it leads to military standoffs and impacts trade relations. For the average Indian, it means potential disruptions to imported goods and a sense of unease about national security.

For Instance

Imagine two farmers sharing a water source, but they disagree on the boundary of their fields. This disagreement leads to frequent arguments and prevents them from cooperating on irrigation projects.

The unresolved border impacts everyone because it affects national security, trade, and the overall stability of the region. It's important for India and China to resolve this issue peacefully.

No clear border, no clear friendship.

Visual Insights

India-China Border Dispute: Key Areas

Map showing the disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China, including Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh.

Loading interactive map...

📍Aksai Chin📍Arunachal Pradesh

More Information

Background

The India-China border dispute is a complex issue rooted in differing perceptions of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This line, which is not formally demarcated, separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory. The major disputed areas include Aksai Chin, which is claimed by India but controlled by China, and Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as South Tibet. The lack of a mutually agreed-upon boundary has led to tensions and military standoffs. Historically, the 1962 Sino-Indian War resulted from these unresolved border claims. Despite several rounds of diplomatic and military talks, a comprehensive resolution remains elusive. Various agreements have been signed to maintain peace and tranquility along the border, such as the 1993 agreement on maintaining peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control and subsequent protocols. However, differing interpretations and the absence of a delineated border continue to pose challenges. The current situation is further complicated by China's increasing assertiveness in the region and its infrastructure development along the border. India has also been strengthening its infrastructure and military presence to counter these developments. The unresolved border issue affects not only bilateral relations but also regional stability and strategic dynamics in Asia.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there have been several high-level military talks between India and China to address the border situation. Despite these talks, significant breakthroughs in resolving the dispute have been limited. The focus has largely been on disengagement from specific friction points along the Line of Actual Control, such as Galwan Valley and Pangong Tso. India has been actively pursuing infrastructure development in border areas, including roads, bridges, and tunnels, to improve connectivity and military mobility. This is seen as a strategic response to China's infrastructure build-up. The Indian government has also emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution through dialogue, while maintaining a firm stance against any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo. Looking ahead, the India-China border issue is likely to remain a key challenge in bilateral relations. The two countries are expected to continue engaging in diplomatic and military talks, but a comprehensive resolution may take considerable time. The situation will also be influenced by broader geopolitical factors and regional dynamics.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key disputed areas between India and China related to the border dispute?

The major disputed areas include Aksai Chin, which India claims but China controls, and Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as South Tibet. The differing perceptions of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) also contribute to the dispute.

2. What is the Line of Actual Control (LAC)?

The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is the notional line that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory. It is not formally demarcated, leading to differing interpretations and border disputes.

3. How does the India-China border differ from the India-Bangladesh border?

The India-Bangladesh border is recognized by both countries and marked on a map. The India-China border, however, is notional and lacks mutual recognition, making it a point of contention.

4. Why is the India-China border dispute a significant issue in bilateral relations?

The unresolved India-China boundary is considered the core issue affecting bilateral relations. The lack of a mutually agreed-upon border leads to tensions, military standoffs, and impacts overall trust and cooperation.

5. What are some key events related to the India-China border dispute that are important to remember?

Key events include the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the 2017 Doklam standoff, and the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. These events highlight the ongoing tensions and the potential for escalation along the border.

6. What is India's stated position on the use of force by China along the border?

India emphasizes that it will not tolerate unilateral use of force by China along the border. India prefers resolving the boundary issue through dialogue and discussion, while also maintaining a strong defense posture.

7. Why has there been limited breakthrough in resolving the India-China border dispute despite several rounds of talks?

Despite high-level military talks, significant breakthroughs in resolving the dispute have been limited due to differing perceptions of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and claims over disputed territories. The focus has largely been on disengagement from specific friction points.

8. What are the implications of the unresolved India-China border dispute on regional stability?

The unresolved border dispute contributes to regional instability by increasing the risk of military standoffs and escalating tensions. This can impact trade, diplomatic relations, and overall security in the region.

9. What role do existing agreements play in managing the India-China border situation?

Existing agreements aim to prevent escalation and maintain peace along the border. These agreements provide mechanisms for communication and de-escalation, but their effectiveness is limited by the lack of a clearly demarcated border.

10. What is General Naravane's assessment of the India-China border situation, and why is it important?

General Naravane stated that the unresolved India-China boundary is the core issue affecting bilateral relations. His assessment is important because it highlights the long-term strategic implications of the border dispute and the need for a resolution.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the India-China border dispute: 1. The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is a formally demarcated boundary agreed upon by both India and China. 2. Aksai Chin is claimed by India but is currently under the administrative control of China. 3. The 1993 agreement between India and China focuses on maintaining peace and tranquility along the LAC. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The LAC is NOT a formally demarcated boundary. It is a notional line that represents the areas of actual control by each side. Statement 2 is CORRECT: Aksai Chin is claimed by India but has been under Chinese control since the 1962 war. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The 1993 agreement indeed aims to maintain peace and tranquility along the LAC, preventing escalation of conflicts.

2. Which of the following statements best describes General Naravane's view on the India-China boundary issue, as mentioned in the news?

A.The India-China boundary is clearly defined and mutually recognized.
B.The India-China boundary is a minor issue that does not significantly affect bilateral ties.
C.The India-China boundary is unresolved and is the core issue affecting bilateral relations.
D.The India-China boundary can be resolved through unilateral action by India.

Show Answer

Answer: C

General Naravane stated that the unresolved India-China boundary is the core issue affecting bilateral relations. He emphasized that the boundary remains "nebulous" and India will not tolerate unilateral use of force by China. Options A, B, and D contradict this statement.

3. Assertion (A): The India-China border dispute remains a significant challenge in bilateral relations. Reason (R): The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is a well-defined and mutually agreed upon boundary between the two countries. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?

A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
C.A is true, but R is false
D.A is false, but R is true

Show Answer

Answer: C

Assertion A is TRUE: The India-China border dispute indeed poses a significant challenge to bilateral relations. Reason R is FALSE: The LAC is NOT a well-defined and mutually agreed-upon boundary. It is a notional line with differing perceptions, which contributes to the dispute.