This article delves into the underlying nature of the 1962 Sino–Indian conflict, exploring its genesis as an outcome driven by Cold War geopolitics rather than solely arising from the boundary dispute preceding the brief border war. While the border dispute has traditionally been regarded as the primary hurdle in normalising relations between the two nations, it is crucial to closely examine the origins of the Sino–Indian conflict within the broader context of Cold War geopolitics. Employing critical theory in international relations for discourse analysis of the border conflict, examination of declassified documents in recent decades and the latest research on Sino–India relations, this article challenges the prevailing narrative that has endured for over six decades. The study illuminates the complex factors and the role played by the United States, offering fresh insights into the multifaceted dynamics that shaped the Sino–Indian conflict beyond the realm of the boundary dispute.