On This Day: Sino-Indian War 1962 : When Chinese Troops Crossed the McMahon Line
How the McMahon Line Dispute Pushed India and China Into the Sino-Indian War
What Happened on September 8, 1962?
On September 8, 1962, during the crossing of the McMahon Line, a division of the border between Tibet and India, Chinese soldiers stepped onto Indian soil for the first time. Crossing the McMahon Line was the first step of the Sino-Indian War of 1962, which was a milestone in the history of India.
Why Was the McMahon Line Disputed?
In 1914, the McMahon Line was drawn during a conference regarding British India and Tibet. India saw this as a legal boundary, while, on the other hand, China has always declined accepting McMahon Line. The problem became more complex when China made a road in an area which was also claimed by India, Aksai Chin. By the late 1950s, both India and China were suspicious of each other.
Why Did China Attack India in 1962?
Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had always hoped for peaceful relations with China. Skirmishes had already broken out across the borders by the time October 1962 arrived. By this time, Indian soldiers had also advanced a considerable distance into China.
How Did the 1962 War Change India?
Most of the scars left on India from the Sino-Indian War of 1962 were a by product of the month long conflict. The loss of many lives and also land – Aksai Chin, lead to the loss of the sense of security. The shock forced the nation to rethink foreign policy, while still trying to strengthen the economy.
Is the India-China Border Dispute Still Alive Today?
Does China Still Hold a Claim on Any Portion of India? The answer is yes. Decades later, there is still no closure to the issue. The 2020 clash in Galwan Valley as well as the rugged land of Ladakh, remnants of 1962, were still there in 2020. The lesson of September 8, 1962 is clear: peace at the border should always be backed by strong defence.
References
