ABSTRACT
In the first flush of the heady independence years, the slogan Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai was on the lips of many leaders, both in New Delhi and Beijing. The world’s two most populous countries, who had both suffered under imperialism, were meant to create a new equitable world order. As we now know only too well, this Hindi-Chini romance didn’t last. The fight took place on craggy cliffs at icy Himalayan heights. At least 20 Indian soldiers died, including a colonel. China has not revealed its casualties, but reliable sources estimate them to be higher. Satellite images show that China had been building bunkers, tents and storage units for military hardware near the site of the clash. Since then, India and China have been uncomfortable neighbors. In 1963, Pakistan ceded the Shaksgam Valley to China and started a relationship that has strengthened over time.
