- Ever since the Galwan Valley incident resulted in Indian soldiers getting martyred, the relationship between the two neighbours has remained frosty. Despite several rounds of diplomatic and military level deliberations, India and China have not succeeded in breaking the cold animosity that appears to strengthen by the day with the immediate end, not even a distant possibility. The Indian government has stood its ground vis-à-vis insisting the Chinese side to revert to preexisting status quo ante before the dragon nation’s venturing into an avoidable misadventure.
PC: Kunal Purohit
- Both the Armies have heavily fortified respective sides along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with arms and ammunitions. With the onset of the punishing winter season, the two sides have unambiguously indicated that they are prepared for a long haul despite harsh weather conditions inflicting humongous adversities. Stepping away from the business as a usual template, the government has indeed initiated few actions much to the chagrin of China like banning hundred of apps, FDI restrictions, and curtailed business interactions just to name a few.
- Reports are now emerging that New Delhi has informally asked airlines not to fly Chinese nationals into the country. The airlines have stated they have not received any specific instruction to stop flying in Chinese nationals, though many continue to board passengers from the country, the issue further indicates Indian move to further up the ante. Also, what this move amply suggests is ties between the two sides have dipped sharply with none prepared to cede ground one bit. China’s expansionist ambitions and gross disregard for neighbourly sensitivities are to be blamed for the prevalent situation.
PC: beltroad
- Apart from South Asia, the instant case in point of meddling is a high-level Chinese team led by a Vice-Minister visiting Nepal to prevent a split in the ruling Nepal Communist Party which is nothing but overt political interference in another country. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of China that runs along the troubled Baluchistan Province in Pakistan has witnessed unrest resulting in the killing of the Pakistani Army soldiers. Pakistan is providing cover to China fortifying the Gwadar area where the BRI passes through.
- The United States of America, on the cusp of leadership change, has abdicated its sole superpower status/global leadership role during the tenure of the incumbent has only further emboldened Beijing to be imperious. Considering the above, Beijing confidently appears determined to ignore the lessons of history and ambitiously engage in imperial overstretch to increase its influence in India’s neighbourhood. Efforts underway at our borders are not lost as China continues efforts to roll back New Delhi in what it sees as its natural strategic backyard.
PC: Somesh upadhyay
- Therefore, New Delhi should be pragmatically handling the situation by waiting and watching rather than working up itself unnecessarily attempting to intervene in the Nepalese affairs as also provocations. The bluff will be called sooner than later as Sri Lanka realized the peril eventually. New Delhi must contend with dangers at both eastern and western borders that too amidst economic downturn owing to pandemic-induced distress. The Centre should focus on fortifying both the borders as well as rectifying the economy which is the topmost priority now.
