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Current situation on the disputed India-China border is alarming to say the least. What makes it more disconcerting is the noise and speculations on all forms of media. Sharing some sources that cut through the noise and shared accurate accounts and informed opinions.
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This article by Ananth Krishnan informs us about the last time we saw casualties on the disputed India-China border - 45 years ago! A bloody encounter after half a century reflects, as well as further adds on to the fragility of our current relations
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/forgotten-in-fog-of-war-the-last-firing-on-the-india-china-border/article31827344.ece
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https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/forgotten-in-fog-of-war-the-last-firing-on-the-india-china-border/article31827344.ece
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Differences in perception in 13 spots all across the LAC leads to occasional face-offs (Amb. Menon's book Choices is a great source for us).
Both countries signed an agreement (BPTA) in 1993 to try and resolve the issue, however without much success.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/line-of-actual-control-india-china-the-line-of-actual-contest/article31822311.ece
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Both countries signed an agreement (BPTA) in 1993 to try and resolve the issue, however without much success.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/line-of-actual-control-india-china-the-line-of-actual-contest/article31822311.ece
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Fast forward to May 5/6, which saw a standoff in the Pangong Tso area in Ladakh between troops from both countries. After monthlong face-offs, both the governments decided to de-escalate the issues; on 15th night,a bloody clash took place in the Galwan
https://twitter.com/the_hindu/status/1273070469617340417?s=20
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https://twitter.com/the_hindu/status/1273070469617340417?s=20
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Valley, with lives lost on both sides. India reported that 20 of our soldiers have been martyred. However, no report from China on the number of casualties (interestingly, China released its 1962 war casualty count only in 1994).
https://twitter.com/fravel/status/1272960358915989505?s=20
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https://twitter.com/fravel/status/1272960358915989505?s=20
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While all national media platforms in India were covering the news for most of their showtime, there was no mention of the border clash in China's national dailies. The clash in certain ways has been more sensitive for India, than for China.
https://twitter.com/ananthkrishnan/status/1273094532532494336?s=20
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https://twitter.com/ananthkrishnan/status/1273094532532494336?s=20
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given that the border has geo-economic benefits for China, whereas it holds geostrategic value for India. Not to forget, 1962 war resulted in a trust deficit wrt China (we don’t remember the wars we won, we only remember the battles we lost)
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/comment-reimagining-india-china-border-roads/article31803032.ece
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https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/comment-reimagining-india-china-border-roads/article31803032.ece
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The most neglected aspect of these conflicts, is the impact created on indigenous people and the ecosystem. An article that summarises the pains faced by local communities and the aftermath on the ecology of disputed areas.
https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2020/06/16/superpower-conflicts-indigenous-peoples/#.Xuk5nu95dVk.twitter
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https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2020/06/16/superpower-conflicts-indigenous-peoples/#.Xuk5nu95dVk.twitter
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So what should India do? How should we respond?
This article adequately points out that the ongoing military talks are important for resolving the immediate situation, but do not lead to long term conflict resolution.
https://theprint.in/opinion/time-for-modi-to-take-political-stand-on-china-military-talks-wont-deter/442862/
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This article adequately points out that the ongoing military talks are important for resolving the immediate situation, but do not lead to long term conflict resolution.
https://theprint.in/opinion/time-for-modi-to-take-political-stand-on-china-military-talks-wont-deter/442862/
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Amb. Menon very succinctly points out in his interview to The Wire that Indian government needs to push for restoration on status quo, and at the same time address the nation and share (as much as possible) their approach on the current situation!
https://twitter.com/BrookingsIndia/status/1272499945942265861?s=20
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https://twitter.com/BrookingsIndia/status/1272499945942265861?s=20
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On the issue of yesterday's clash impacting India's ties with US, Rohan Mukherjee summarises the potential scenarios on India-US relations from here on, challenges and opportunities!
https://twitter.com/rohan_mukh/status/1273075187500462080?s=20
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https://twitter.com/rohan_mukh/status/1273075187500462080?s=20
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Jabin in his article articulates the need for a stronger partnership with and support for China Studies/expertise in India’s universities and think-tanks, to effectively manage future conflicts (from both a competitive and a collaborative perspective)
https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/reorienting-indias-china-policy-towards-greater-transparency-67996/?amp
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https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/reorienting-indias-china-policy-towards-greater-transparency-67996/?amp
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But we would at some point need to address the border issues. India-China have shared a history of 70 years of relationship, however, no relationship campaigns, informal summits, diplomacy or economic policy will change the status quo if these issues are not addresses, mutually.
At the end of the day, lives are lost on both sides.We need to protect our country's sovereignty, and at the same time strive to make this world more peaceful and peace loving. Understanding the context, pain, challenges and insecurities of our counterparts is the first step
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in this pursuit. A more interconnected world will see us overcoming our biggest set of problems (poverty, pandemics, inequalities) more efficiently, and more importantly, solving them together.
A final recommendation by the hopeless optimist in me -
Fin.
A final recommendation by the hopeless optimist in me -
Fin.
