«Panchsheel Doctrine: Foundation for India-China Relations»

Key provisions of the Panchsheel Doctrine include:

• Mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty.
• Mutual non-aggression.
• Non-interference in internal affairs.
• The principle of equality and mutual benefit.
• Striving for peaceful coexistence.

These principles were developed to strengthen trust, promote cooperation, and maintain peaceful relations, especially during the post-colonial Asian period and the beginning of the Cold War. Initially, they regulated India's interaction with Tibet, but later became the basis for diplomatic relations with other countries as well.

Today, the Panchsheel Doctrine remains an important tool in India-China diplomacy. Despite disagreements in the interpretation of these principles, both leaders recognize their significance for stabilizing relations. India links progress in cooperation with the resolution of border issues, while China prefers to consider bilateral ties separately from territorial disputes.

However, the doctrine has not been able to prevent conflicts, such as the 1962 border war. Its limitations include the absence of enforcement mechanisms and ambiguity in the interpretation of the principles of non-interference and border definitions. Nevertheless, the Panchsheel principles continue to be used in diplomatic negotiations, symbolizing the commitment to peaceful interaction even in times of tension.

India and China continue to refer to the Panchsheel Doctrine at high-level meetings, reaffirming their commitment to cooperation and stability, despite unresolved practical issues.