Jyotsna Punshi writes that India has recently been encountering a lot of nagging by China in the Doklam region of Sikkim which is detectably influencing their diplomatic relations. But the statement released by the National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval speaks differently. I believe, this is strategically based on highly diplomatic grounds as the alleged rivalry yet taking form cannot take place in an overt manner, as that will result in an escalation of violent remarks by Beijing and New Delhi. I term this move as predominantly political in nature done in order to subdue the anxiousness cultivated over time by the enmity, though unknown to the overwhelming majority of both the states.
This is a case best suppressed than assessed as combative— India and china’s relation has been termed as intermittently unsettling, with old border disputes coming to light. Given the fact that China has, in the past 6 months, warned India over a few matters, any sort of impediment on the part of India in the construction in the Doklam region will only assist in embroiling the aforesaid strain in the region. China is out favour with its neighbours for its aggression and employment of hard power which is manifestly misgiving for India who is not equally equipped and prepared for a forthcoming standoff that will befall if India does not withdraw its troops.
India should be concerned about China’s aggression and stand up to it, while still remaining wise enough to opt for the skilful diplomatic channels any day over a military reaction, as undermining China’s potential to live up to the neighbouring States’ apprehension is not a very wise thing to do. And, it is not only a recommendation for India, rather it’s made across-the-board for both countries’ to follow as both their economies are on the rise and a military standoff will only set the economies back in time, disrupting the future leap in their progress and development. It is quite understandable why China, who has been involved in 18 territorial disputes, prodding to normalise its relations with others, shall also not be inclined towards being a party to a military standoff. Though it’s a common practice to keep the enemy in the fear of war, it is not likely on the part of either country to follow the go-forward plan on the frontier. As of yet, India hasn’t submitted its intentions for holding a bilateral exchange between China and India. But China, presumptively, requires India to conform to China’s preconditions or otherwise India’s efforts to strike a bilateral exchange will remain on the skids.
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