The 'Nalanda Way': Reimagining India-China Relations Beyond Conflict
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Ancient History (Nalanda University, Chinese Travellers), Art & Culture, Current events of national and international importance.
Mains:
GS Paper 1: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
GS Paper 2: India and its neighborhood- relations; Bilateral agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests; Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.
Key Highlights from the News (വാർത്തയിലെ പ്രധാന ഹൈലൈറ്റുകൾ)
On the 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic relations, events like the meeting of defense ministers and the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra suggest improving ties.
Beyond modern border disputes, the article proposes rebuilding relations based on the ancient knowledge exchange between the two countries.
The ancient Nalanda University was the center of this intellectual connection. Chinese scholar-travelers like Faxian, Xuanzang, and Yijing came here in search of knowledge.
The author calls this ancient approach "The Nalanda Way": a relationship based on peace, dialogue, and intellectual diplomacy.
Today's India-China relationship is trapped in border military confrontations, trade barriers, and suspicion.
Disagreement does not mean disengagement is the core principle of 'The Nalanda Way'. This means that while firm on contentious issues like the border, cooperation should continue in other areas like environment, health, and culture.
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