Online published on 29 November, 2012.
Despite India's constant interest in building a partnership with China, relations between the two countries have been marred by misgivings and turbulence since the Dalai Lama of Tibet took refuge in India in 1959. The Panchsheel Agreement signed in 1954 should have ensured peace and good relations between the giant neighbours but did not prevent the 1962 war. Since 2003 however, common economic and strategic interest have fostered cooperation and dialogue in many areas despite disagreements about borders, Tibet and Pakistan. The principles of Panchsheel provided a sound basis for resolving the remaining disputes and tempering the rivalry for regional and global influence between India and China.
