Harsha Kakar
A delegation, led by the army commander, Northern Command, visited China recently. During the visit theyinteracted with senior officials from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the Commander of the Lanzhou military region, as well as visited various military establishments. The invite for the visit came from China and flows five years from the time China cancelled the visit of Lt Gen BS Jaswal, the then Army Commander on the grounds that he was posted in disputed territory, which resulted in India suspending all military exchanges. They were subsequently resumed after two years, once China agreed to host officers from Northern Command and stopped issuing stapled visas to visitors from J and K.
This was a follow up to the visit last month to Delhi, by the vice chairman of central military commission of China. He was the senior most ranking officer of their military to visit India in a decade.
There has been a sea change in Indo- China relations over the years. The two Prime Ministers have established a good rapport and understanding, while economically the nations are moving closer. The closer the economies come, the lesser are the chances of an all- encompassing conflict, though border standoffs could still continue, in the years ahead.
The past two years has seen one major standoff each have in Ladakh, which however, werere solved locally and peacefully. The changed stance on the part of China, resulting in the present invite, could also be due to the aggressive stance which India adopted in the last standoff. In addition to mustering a much stronger and numerically superior force than the Chinese could bring, it also responded by moving patrols in the harsh winters upto its own claim lines, proving that it now possess the strength, resolve and power to respond as fiercely. It was also aggressive to the limit it could go, to prevent escalation but at the same time portrayed the professionalism of its military.
Issues still remain to be settled. The border, though tranquil and firing free, however has not yet been demarcated. China continues to claim portions of Indian Territory, along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) including the state of Arunachal Pradesh. It disputes the McMahon line, which currently forms the border between the two nations. India still claims Aksai Chin taken in the 62 conflict, and parts which Pakistan illegally seceded to China. Though border talks are in progress, however settlement is still a long way ahead.
The present visit was keenly watched by both military and diplomatic analysts since it came post the last cancellation, and was on the invite of the Chinese government. The fact that there was regular press coverage in this newspaper clearly highlighted the importance that the people of this state accorded to the visit. In my opinion, this visit had a number of takeaways, the impact of which would soon start becoming visible on ground.
The present army commander is clearly aware, considering his vast experience in the state, that while diplomats discuss modalities for avoiding border clashes and incorporate measures to build peace and tranquillity along the LAC, which are based on military assessment, practical solutions can only be discussed and implemented by professional soldiers. Thus actions on ground, to deescalate any rising crises would have been discussed and possibly, both sides would subsequently issue directions. This would enable simultaneous actions to reduce any emerging crises. A clear example of improved understanding would soon be seen, when the two sides conduct their first joint exercise along the LAC at Chushul in the near future. Other actions like establishing hot lines at various levels and frequent border meetings would also be other measures.
Both sides are well aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the other. India has over the years been able to blunt Pakistan sponsored terrorism in the state and create an environment of near normalcy. Direct talks on terrorism would definitely have been sensitive in nature, as the country sponsoring terrorist groups with links in both, India and China is Pakistan. Being a close ally of China, discussion on Pakistan would have been minimal. However modalities of dealing with state sponsored terrorism would have been raised. The Xinjiang province of China is presently facing a serious terrorist threat, resulting inincreased casualties to Chinese inhabitants of the region. Seeking India’s expertise and experience would benefit them. This issue could result in the next collection of joint exercises being oriented towards anti-terrorism measures and drills.
The team also visited PLA facilities at Xi’an and Shanghai. This enabled them to gauge the methodology of training being adopted and the existing training infrastructure. The end result could be subtle recommendations on improving own training and its infrastructure.
While this visit would greatly benefit the LAC and enhance measures to prevent any further standoffs, however other security issues still continue to simmer. China has considered the joint India, US and Japan naval exercise, called Malabar, to be a confrontation and had objected to the same. India has stated that it is against Chinese claims in the South and East China seas. India has its own reasons, as a large part of India’s trade flows through these seas and Chinese claims could adversely affect them.India’s closer military ties with nations which border the South China Sea has been criticised by China. India too has its concern on the growing nuclear and military support that China offers to Pakistan. However, these issues would be dealt with on other forums.
In overall terms this visit was a success. Such visits, when conducted regularly, establish a bond between senior functionaries, responsible for operations as adversaries, to work together, with better understanding and knowledge with the aim of defusing crises well in time. Similarly, regular interactions at different levels, including joint exercises and border meetings develop respect between two adversaries, which is always beneficial. These should be encouraged and resorted to, whenever possible.
(The author is a retired Major General of the Indian Army)
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