In a critical juncture for India's geopolitical standing, concerns are escalating over the passive approach towards China's border dominance, putting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's legacy in the spotlight.

Despite thriving economic relations, the precarious situation along the borders persists, with China firmly controlling 1,000 square kilometers of territory that India patrolled until April 2020.

The decade-long China policy under Modi's leadership is under scrutiny, as diplomatic efforts have failed to yield results, and the status quo with China in a dominant position raises questions about India's prestige and Modi's legacy.

China's consistent strategy, viewing India as a potential economic and military competitor, underscores the need for a robust response. While India faces no existential threat, the article suggests that engaging in brinkmanship could reduce the probability of a limited war.

Examining historical context, the piece highlights the evolution of China's stance since the 1950s and draws parallels with former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's challenges in handling border clashes.

The narrative shifts to Modi's strategy, steeped in nationalism, and his long-term vision to enhance India's economic and military capabilities to challenge China on its own terms.

Despite Modi's investments in diplomacy, economic relations, and border infrastructure development, the article argues that the current passive response to China's actions poses a risk to India's strategic standing. The author urges a departure from this passivity and calls for seizing the strategic initiative.

Emphasizing the need for a clear national security strategy, the article suggests that declaring India's national interests and showcasing resolve to adversaries is crucial. It advocates for a government-owned action plan to transform the armed forces and a viable military strategy, drawing parallels with the post-1962 period when the armed forces underwent significant reforms.

The article concludes with a call for a bold operational strategy to manage the border situation, declaring a red line on the borders and reinforcing the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with additional forces. It stresses the importance of political will to regain the strategic initiative and avoid a narrative of psychological defeat.

As India stands at a crossroads, the urgent need for proactive measures to counter China's border dominance is underscored, with implications for Modi's legacy and India's geopolitical stature.