The conflict between India and China had significant repercussions, even impacting the opposition and sparking division within the Communist Party of India (CPI). The emerging discord between China and the Soviet Union played a role in causing irreconcilable rifts within the CPI. One faction, aligned with the USSR, leaned towards forging closer ties with the Congress party. Meanwhile, the other faction, initially aligned with China, resisted any affiliations with the Congress. This division led to a split in the party in 1964, leading to the formation of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M). Following the China war, many individuals who later became part of CPI (M) were arrested due to their pro-China stance.

Furthermore, the conflict with China drew the attention of Indian leaders to the volatile situation in the Northeast region. This region, aside from being geographically isolated and significantly underdeveloped, presented India with the dual challenge of national integration and political cohesion. Consequently, the process of reorganizing the region commenced shortly after the China war. Nagaland was granted statehood, and while Manipur and Tripura remained Union Territories, they were granted the privilege of electing their own legislative assemblies.

When did India and China restore full diplomatic relations after a prolonged hiatus after the Indo-China war?

1976

The process of normalizing relations between India and China spanned over a decade. The year 1976 marked the restoration of full diplomatic ties between these two nations. Notably, Atal Behari Vajpayee, who held the position of External Affairs Minister at that time, undertook a significant visit to China in 1979. Subsequently, Rajiv Gandhi became the first Prime Minister after Nehru to visit China. From that point onward, the focus has predominantly shifted towards fostering trade relations between India and China.