🧭 Topic: “A Slow Revival” The Hindu Editorial Analysis A Slow Revival 25-07-2025
🟡 Introduction & Context
Tensions between India and China—triggered by the Galwan clash of 2020—have lingered for over four years. However, recent diplomatic gestures, including high-level meetings and gestures such as visa reopenings, reflect a cautious thaw. According to analysts, including reports by India Today, India and China are exploring a reset amid mutual concerns over global unpredictability, especially in the U.S.—signaling a slow but steady revival in bilateral ties India Today.
📝 Editorial Summary & Key Arguments
Strategic Reset: The handshake between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese President Xi Jinping at SCO suggests willingness to de-escalate despite unresolved border issues India Today.
Economic Imperative: Resuming tourist visas (from July 24) and reviving trade are pragmatic steps to reboot economic engagement post-suspension due to border tensions and earlier restrictions India Today.
Geopolitical Realisation: Both nations recognise mutual dependence amid global instability. The U.S.’s strategic unpredictability has nudged India–China towards cautious diplomatic outreach India Today.
Cautious Optimism: While structural issues remain—like the LAC unresolved and defense mistrust—the editorial welcomes credentials-based diplomacy alongside guarded dialogue.
Strategic Autonomy: India retains its hardline postures and aligns decisions with strategic self-interest. Reviving cooperation does not imply compromise on national security.
🔵 Constitutional/Policy Context (Indian Constitution Relevance)
While the constitution doesn’t directly address foreign policy, the following provisions and frameworks give indirect relevance:
| Provision | Context in This Issue |
|---|---|
| Art. 51 | Promotion of international peace and security |
| Goods & Services Tax (indirectly linked) | Balance between trade liberalisation & safeguarding sovereignty |
| Foreign Policy under Art. 365 (States to comply with Centre’s policy) | Enables the Centre to conduct diplomatic relations uniformly |
❗ The Constitution entrusts Union government with foreign policy and defence; revisiting ties with China must align with national interest and sovereignty.
Bharat China Dheemi Vapsi Samasya Avsar: भारत‑चीन संबंधों की धीमी वापसी – एक सतर्क समरसता
📚 Key Topics Covered
India–China border dynamics & building trust
Impact on trade, tourism, and people-to-people contact
Role of diplomatic symbolism (e.g., ceremonial visits, visas)
Strategic concerns: U.S. unpredictability, global power shifts
Maintaining equilibrium between cooperation and caution
📘 Vocabulary (Hard Words with Meanings in English & Hindi)
| Word | English Meaning | Hindi Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Thaw | Easing of tensions or hostility | तनातनी में कमी (मृदुकरण) |
| Diplomacy | Practice of managing negotiations | कूटनीति |
| Prudence | Careful and sensible approach | विवेकपूर्णता |
| Reset | Restart of stalled or paused relations | पुनर्स्थापना |
| Strategic Autonomy | Ability to act independently in policy | रणनीतिक स्वायत्तता |
🎯 MCQs for UPSC, SSC, UPPSC & RRB Aspirants
Which event symbolised a recent warming in India–China diplomatic ties?
A. Jaishankar–Xi handshake at SCO summit ✅
B. India joining BRICS
C. New infrastructure along LAC
D. India joining RCEPWhat recent step was taken to re-normalise people-to-people ties?
A. Free trade agreement
B. Pakistan visa resumption
C. Resuming tourist visas for Chinese nationals from July 24 ✅
D. Opening more diplomatic missionsWhich Indian constitutional article promotes international peace and security?
A. Art. 51 ✅
B. Art. 368
C. Art. 32
D. Art. 280According to the editorial, what global factor prompts India–China to re-engage?
A. Climate change urgency
B. U.S. unpredictability and global instability ✅
C. IMF pressure
D. Internal political shiftsWhat existing issue continues to constrain full trust between India and China?
A. Cultural differences
B. Unresolved LAC border disputes ✅
C. Language barriers
D. Trade imbalance onlyThe editorial characterises current ties as:
A. Full restoration of friendship
B. Slow revival with cautious optimism ✅
C. Complete disengagement
D. Regional isolationWhich concept refers to India’s policy flexibility in foreign affairs as mentioned in the analysis?
A. Strategic Autonomy ✅
B. Non-alignment
C. Isolationism
D. ExpansionismUnder the Constitution, which body handles foreign relations and diplomacy?
A. State Governments
B. Parliament
C. Union Government ✅
D. Judiciary
🧠 Relevance for Exams
GS Paper II (International Relations): Bilateral ties, border issues, foreign policy approach
Essay/Policy Questions: Balancing national security and diplomatic engagement
Current Affairs: India’s strategic recalibration amid global power shifts
Ethics & Governance: Decision-making transparency, principled diplomacy
Vocabulary & Comprehension: Editorial language for exams like SSC and RRB
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