XVI ROUND OF TALKS

LT COL MANOJ K CHANNAN, VETERAN

 

The Press Information Bureau press release on the talks held at Moldo, Chushul is indicative of an impasse. While the talks have been held under cordial conditions, it is clear that the PLA is not willing to take any concrete measures to fall back to March 2020 positions.

China is using this dialogue to craftily convey a message that China as a responsible Nation is engaging with it’s neighbours to peacefully settle the border disputes. The double standards are visible as with Nepal; China is willing to discuss the border disputes as per the bilateral treaties. In India’s case the bilateral treaties have been thrown out of the window.

It is clear India has no leverage over China to bear upon it to honour the bilateral treaties and resolve the boundary dispute. At the same time China is keen to engage with India; India remains an important market, the Chinese companies are bringing in the much needed FDI, will the political leadership be bold enough to engage with the Chinese leadership to resolve this issue.

While the Foreign Minister has been engaging with his counterpart in China, it is not understood that why the Prime Minister, who shared bonhomie with President Xi Jinping has not picked up the phone and had a conversation on this aspect.

Much as we may wish, our neighbours are not going to change, engaging in a dialogue will help resolve issues. The Press release is well drafted to communicate that there has been movement forward, till the next time. In another two and a half months the weather will change the passes will close; the winter stocking and preparing for the harsh winters is the Priority. Till  the next round of talks, the eye ball to eye ball contact will remain as both sides will ensure that no quarter is given.

India should continue to build up on the Quad, build up regional consensus against China’s hegemony. The Armed Forces must continue to do build up capabilities and capacities to be ready in case the PLA seeks to alter the narrative.