Image: India-China Conflicts 1950-2025
Conflicts between India and China across the Line of Actual Control have been among the most complex security challenges and have consistently remained a point of friction in bilateral relations. Stretching across three sectors- Western (Ladakh), Middle and Eastern (Arunachal Pradesh, formerly known as the North-East Frontier Agency), the conflict has involved recurring clashes, standoffs as well as diplomatic negotiations. The 1962 India-China War marked a turning point, resulting in the creation of the Line of Actual Control. However, differences over the boundary remain despite numerous agreements, including the ‘Border Peace and Tranquility Agreement’ signed in 1993 and the ‘Border Defence Cooperation Agreement’ signed in 2013 among many others. In the past two decades, tensions have escalated with disputes such as the Doklam standoff in 2017, the Galwan Valley standoff in 2020, and the Yangtse clash in 2022. Despite an agreement to resume patrolling after diplomatic efforts in October 2024, territorial disagreements continue to keep the bilateral relationship volatile.
Prepared by
Lavanya Vadehra
Lavanya Vadehra is an undergraduate student at FLAME University, majoring in International Studies with a minor in Public Policy. She is currently doing her Summer Internship Program with ORCA as a research intern.