There is a growing tension on the India-China border in the eastern scctor with media reports of incursions by the Chinese military into the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). In this context, which of the following Indian response(s) is/are the most likely ? 1. India lodges a diplomatic protest with the Chinese embassy. 2. India utilizes the framework of the India-China border talks and the “special representatives” forum to address these issues. 3. India strengthens troops presence in the border. 4. India lodges a complaint against China at the UN. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

In response to Chinese incursions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India typically employs a multi-pronged strategy involving military and diplomatic channels. First, India strengthens its troop presence and modernizes forces in the border region to match Chinese contingents and thwart attempts to change the status quo [t3, t6]. For instance, India authorized a new mountain strike corps to address border threats [t6]. Second, India utilizes established bilateral frameworks, such as the 'Special Representatives' forum and military-to-military negotiations, to seek de-escalation and disengagement [t1, t7, t9]. While India may lodge protests regarding specific incidents like map disputes [t5], it generally avoids taking border issues to the United Nations, preferring bilateral resolution mechanisms [t1, t10]. Therefore, strengthening troop presence (3) and utilizing border talk frameworks (2) are the most likely responses, making option 3 the correct choice.

Sources

1. [1] https://www.orfonline.org/research/understanding-sino-indian-border-issues-an-analysis-of-incidents-reported-in-the-indian-media
2. [2] https://backend-live.cfr.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2015/11/CPA_ContingencyPlanningMemo_27.pdf
3. [3] https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2023/08/impasse-at-the-lac-an-examination-of-the-2013-2014-and-2015-standoffs?lang=en