Recognition of Complexity
A major takeaway from the official discussions that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has had with the top Chinese leadership in his ongoing tour is the desire on both sides to treat the contentious boundary question with equanimity and not get caught up in haphazard and ambitious attempts to push for a quick solution.
Both sides recognise the complexity of the issue and have had rich experience in managing tensions on the border for the past three decades. But there is a vital difference between ‘managing’ and ‘resolving’ the border dispute. It’s to Modi’s credit that he has not tried to jump from one to the other in a hurry. Instead, he has reminded his hosts in Beijing that they need to adopt a new way.
I stressed the need for China to reconsider its approach on some of the issues that hold us back from realising the full potential of our partnership. I suggested that China should take a strategic and long-term view of our relations.
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The above statement clearly reflects India’s stand that China cannot continue to be obdurate on the border issue and at the same time prop up Pakistan to create trouble in the neighbourhood.
Moreover, by reaffirming the demand for clarification of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) India is adopting a similar tactic as the Chinese who stick to their stand irrespective of the response from the other side.
Prime Minister Modi had made this suggestion for the first time last September when President Xi Jingping was in India. Beijing has not responded to the idea yet. By once again raising the point, New Delhi has now put the ball in China’s court. If the Chinese don’t respond then the border talks will continue to stagnate.