With patience and steadfastness of an astute statesman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to bring about reversal of six decades of estranged relationship with China. The edifice of changed relationship will be built brick by brick over a period of time and not in a state of euphoria that may soon lose its gravity. Implications of an unprecedented Sino-Indian friendship based on ground realities and long range objectives with strong viability element added, it can be the harbinger of an era of new strategy in the crucial Asian region. Ever since the United States unfolded its Asia-Pacific strategy in which India, as the largest democracy and major power in the region along with China, would naturally assume significant role, China has been trying to offset the impact of the US strategy in more than one way. Whatever be the perceptions, Beijing has come to the conclusion that India’s role cannot be underestimated. In particular, with the ruling party backed by a strong majority in the Parliament, and the man at the helm of affairs seriously inclined to assert India’s position, China has given new direction to Sino-Indian relations. This was abundantly visible when Chinese President decided to choose India as the first country he would visit after taking up the office. The two countries have been doing good deal of home work on a number of themes of mutual interest. Silent diplomacy always brings the desired dividends provided there is sincerity on both sides.
In their latest effort to forge new pattern of friendship, the most significant development is that the two countries have agreed to establish hotline between the Headquarters of our Northern Command in Udhampur and the Headquarters of PLA in Beijing. At the same time they have agreed to increase the number of Border Meeting Points (BMPs) from two at present in Chashul to six along the LAC in Ladakh. A number of friendly and cordial meetings between the commanders of two sides in recent weeks have turned the entire atmosphere at the border into one of easy cordiality and geniality. It is for the first time that in ceremonial meeting of the two delegations, lively and enervating Chinese cultural programme was displayed followed by a “bara khana” after the tradition of the army.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to pay a three – day official visit to Beijing from May 16. This will be his first visit to China as Prime Minister. For months, bureaucrats and diplomats are engaged in tying up odds and ends of the visit to make it complete success. Chinese are aware that Modi is a person who means business. It is presumed that many agreements of far reaching consequence will be signed during PM’s visit as he will be accompanied by a large team. India and China are projecting huge increase in the volume of bilateral trade in years to come that will surpass the quantum of Sino-Indian trade with any other country in the region. At the same time, the understanding is that China will do nothing to minimize the significance of PM Modi’s visit to Beijing. Hindsight tells us that China has been in the habit of creating an event and an incident during the visit of an Indian top dignitary to China just to give India an impression that China would not budge from its known stand on contentious issues with India. The commitment of not indulging in any absurdity like that is to be welcomed as an achievement of Modi Government’s China policy.
We must also understand that China has, more than once, expressed its displeasure of religious extremists of its Eastern province of Xinxiang receiving training in terrorism in jihadi camps in Pakistan. China has now realized that these jihadis and their entire infrastructure, patronized by Pakistani army, is unlikely to be dismantled by the civilian Government in Islamabad. Shanghai Cooperation, of which India and Pakistan both are observer members, is the creation of China with clear objective of taking on the terrorists and religious extremists. It is no secret that Pakistan is the cradle of international terrorism and Pakistani jihadi groups have no love lost for atheist China.
And finally, realization has dawned upon China that it can no more continue opposing India’s right to be a permanent member of the Security Council. It opposed India but in the background of India’s stature rising in the eyes of world community, China will find itself isolated in case it continues with its antagonistic stance against India.
We welcome China’s change of heart and acceptance of pragmatism as the guiding spirit of Sino-Indian friendship. The two Asian giants, if working in close cooperation and collaboration, can change the destiny of the world. It is heartening to know that China endorses India’s urge for global peace and tranquility. Progress can be made only in a condition of peace.
This being the right approach to which both sides are attracted, we understand a new era will dawn upon the Asian continent. However, we will not advise New Delhi to bid farewell to caution and consideration. There are no permanent friends and no permanent enemies in politics but there are only permanent interests. We have noted that in the past, China’s behavior towards us has been unpredictable. China has not withdrawn its claim on Arunachal. China does not support India’s stand in Kashmir. China has not outright condemned Pakistan’s proxy war in Kashmir and involvement in 26/11. China is making deep inroads into Gilgit and Baltistan with its physical presence. China is strengthening her maritime reach in the Indian Ocean. These are the issues of national interest which China will never underestimate. Therefore, New Delhi must know the limits to which she can go and beyond which lays the Laxman Rekha.
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