Understanding India's Complex Relationship with China: Historical Insights

China: A Long-standing Enigma for India

For decades, China has posed a significant puzzle for the world, and India, from Nehru to Modi, has struggled to comprehend its neighbor, often perceived as a big brother. The stark contrast between the Chinese Communist government's words and actions has been evident, with its leaders consistently betraying India over the past 74 years. Notable Indian Prime Ministers, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Manmohan Singh, and Narendra Modi, have all attempted to improve relations with China, but the outcomes are well-known. A saying about China suggests that there is no one it has not deceived. India has made numerous overtures for friendship with China, dating back to before independence when Nehru believed in the potential for a strong partnership between the two nations. During his first visit to the United States in 1949, Nehru discussed serious issues, including advocating for the Republic of China, seeking recognition from the U.S. This topic has been revisited by the Modi government, particularly regarding Nehru's support for China's seat in the UN Security Council, a point raised by the late Arun Jaitley in 2019. Critics of Nehru have labeled this a missed opportunity for India. While it is true that Nehru rejected proposals for permanent membership from both the U.S. in 1950 and the Soviet Union in 1955, the geopolitical context of those times cannot be overlooked. A report from a prominent news outlet elaborates on the events and reasons behind Nehru's support for China in the Security Council.

What Was Happening in the Security Council at That Time?

The establishment of the United Nations followed the conclusion of World War II (1939-45). The UN Security Council is the body responsible for making decisions on major international issues, comprising five permanent members: the U.S., the U.K., the Soviet Union, France, and China. However, a significant leadership change occurred in China in 1949, transitioning from a nationalist government to a communist regime. Mao Zedong proclaimed the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC) on October 1, 1949, marking the end of the civil war between the Chinese Communist Party and the Kuomintang. This conflict had begun in the late 1920s and was interrupted during World War II. With the onset of the Cold War, India sought to maintain its autonomy from the U.S.-led bloc and establish an independent foreign policy. It was also the first non-communist nation to recognize the new communist government in China. However, the permanent seat in the Security Council still belonged to the Republic of China (RoC) government, which had been established after the fall of the imperial regime. Following the communist victory, the party's leaders retreated to Taiwan. Many Western nations refused to recognize the new communist government, viewing it as an ally of the Soviet Union. In January 1950, the Soviet Union withdrew from the UN in protest against the PRC being denied the RoC's seat, although it returned later that year. Amid these tensions, two proposals emerged for India: one from the U.S. in 1950 and another from the Soviet Union in 1955.

What Was the U.S. Proposal?

In 1950, the U.S. reached out to then Indian Ambassador Vijayalakshmi Pandit, who is also Nehru's sister, regarding a crucial matter. The proposal involved removing the Republic of China from the UN Security Council and granting India permanent membership instead. By the end of August 1950, Pandit wrote to Nehru from Washington, detailing her discussions with U.S. diplomats. She mentioned that the U.S. State Department was considering this significant shift, and both John Foster Dulles and Philip Jessup had raised the issue, with Dulles particularly eager for prompt action. Within a week, Nehru responded, firmly rejecting the proposal. He argued that accepting it would be a grave mistake, disrespecting China and damaging India-China relations. Nehru emphasized that India would continue to advocate for the PRC's inclusion in the UN and Security Council, asserting that while India deserved a permanent seat, it would not come at the expense of China.

America's Desire for Closer Ties with India

This informal U.S. proposal emerged during a sensitive period as the Cold War tensions began to reach Asia. With the communist government in power in China and the outbreak of the Korean War in June 1950, the U.S. and its allies supported South Korea, while China and the Soviet Union backed North Korea. The U.S. was encouraged by India's support for American proposals aimed at halting North Korea's aggression in the UN. This may have prompted the State Department to reach out to India, hoping to bring it into its sphere of influence. Historian Anton Harder noted in a 2015 article that while the U.S. approach to India was informal and not at the highest levels, it was nonetheless sincere. Although the likelihood of this proposal materializing was low, it represented a significant attempt by the U.S. to forge more reliable relations with India.

What Was the Soviet Proposal?

In 1955, Soviet leader Nikolai Bulganin informed Nehru that the USSR was considering proposing India's inclusion as the sixth member of the Security Council in the future. Unlike the U.S. proposal, the Soviet Union did not want India to replace the Republic of China. They aimed to keep the doors open for their communist ally. However, Nehru also rejected this proposal, arguing that such a move would require amending the UN Charter, which was not the right time. The Soviet proposal was more of a feeler than a concrete offer, as Bulganin clarified that they were merely seeking Nehru's opinion on the matter.

Why Did Nehru Advocate for China?

Nehru was cautious about India becoming embroiled in conflicts with neighboring countries due to U.S. geopolitical strategies. His support for the PRC extended beyond bilateral relations. As noted by Roy, it was based on his observations of the general state of relations among great powers. Nehru believed in the necessity of cooperation among major powers for international stability. He feared that isolating a significant power like the PRC could lead to war. According to Roy's research paper, events in the early 20th century taught Nehru that isolated great powers often become significant sources of global instability. In a time when the world had witnessed the devastation of nuclear bombs, the consequences of a dissatisfied and isolated China could be catastrophic.

Nehru's Intent to Avoid Alienating China

The research paper further states that to maintain global stability, it was crucial to include China in the Security Council and grant it veto power. Nehru believed this would help keep China calm and curb its revisionist policies. Thus, supporting China's claim in the UN was a vital part of Nehru's diplomatic efforts to maintain a balance of power among nations. In a letter to Pandit in 1950, Nehru expressed concern that if China failed to gain entry into the Security Council, it could lead to the Soviet Union and other nations withdrawing from the UN entirely. While this might please the U.S. State Department, it would signify the end of the UN as we know it and could lead to further escalation towards war. Ultimately, it took until 1971 for the UN to recognize the PRC as China's legitimate government.