Let's carefully examine each statement provided in the question regarding India-China relations to determine which ones are correct.

Analysing Statements on India-China Relations

• Statement A: On 1st April 1950, India was the first non-socialist bloc country to establish diplomatic relations with China.

  India recognized the People's Republic of China (PRC) on December 30, 1949. Following this recognition, India officially established diplomatic relations with the PRC on April 1, 1950. Historical records indicate that India was indeed the first non-socialist or non-communist country to establish formal diplomatic ties with the newly formed People's Republic of China. This was a significant step in India's foreign policy during the early years after independence.

  Based on historical facts, Statement A is correct.

• Statement B: Prime Minister Nehru never visited China during his premiership.

  Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, played a crucial role in shaping India's foreign policy, including relations with China. He did visit China. Specifically, Prime Minister Nehru visited China in October 1954. This visit was part of the exchanges between the two countries following the signing of the Panchsheel agreement earlier that year.

  Therefore, Statement B is incorrect.

• Statement C: A phase of improvement in bilateral relations began in 1988.

  Relations between India and China faced significant challenges following the 1962 conflict. However, there were efforts to normalise and improve relations over the years. A major turning point occurred with the visit of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to China in December 1988. This visit was the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 34 years (since Nehru's visit in 1954) and is widely regarded as the beginning of a new phase of normalisation and gradual improvement in India-China bilateral relations, focusing on practical cooperation while managing differences.

  Thus, Statement C is correct.

• Statement D: Rajiv Gandhi as the Prime Minister of India visited China in 1993.

  As mentioned above, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi visited China in December 1988. While a visit by an Indian Prime Minister did take place in 1993, it was P.V. Narasimha Rao who visited China in September 1993, not Rajiv Gandhi. Rajiv Gandhi's tenure as Prime Minister ended in 1989.

  Consequently, Statement D is incorrect.

Identifying the Correct Statements

Based on our analysis:

• Statement A is correct.
• Statement B is incorrect.
• Statement C is correct.
• Statement D is incorrect.

The statements that are correct are A and C.

Final Answer Determination

We need to select the option that includes both statements A and C.

• Option 1: A & B (Incorrect, B is wrong)
• Option 2: A & C (Correct, A and C are both correct)
• Option 3: C & D (Incorrect, D is wrong)
• Option 4: B & C (Incorrect, B is wrong)

The correct option is 2, which states A & C are the correct statements.

Revision Table: India-China Key Historical Facts

Additional Information on India-China Bilateral Relations

India and China share a long history and complex relationship. Understanding the timeline of diplomatic engagement is crucial.

• Early Relations: India's recognition of PRC and establishment of diplomatic ties were based on its non-aligned foreign policy principles and the belief in supporting anti-colonial movements and new governments.
• Panchsheel Agreement: Signed in 1954, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence aimed to guide relations between states and symbolised initial bonhomie, although differences persisted, particularly regarding the border.
• Post-Conflict Period: Following the 1962 border conflict, diplomatic relations were downgraded and remained strained for years. Efforts to normalise began slowly in the 1970s.
• 1988 Visit Significance: Rajiv Gandhi's visit broke a long impasse and set the stage for confidence-building measures and cooperation in various fields while acknowledging the existence of the border dispute. It shifted the focus towards pragmatic engagement.
• Recent Developments: India-China relations continue to evolve, marked by increasing economic ties alongside persistent border issues and strategic competition. High-level dialogues and various agreements shape the current state of bilateral relations.