A year has elapsed since the Doklam face-off between India and China. It appears that relations between the two countries are getting back to normal. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) started the process. Then came the informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President XI Jinping in Wuhan. The Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe visited Delhi last week. Chances of a major conflict seem to have been averted for the time being at least. The General was accompanied by top officials from the Central Military Commission of China. Both countries have decided to expand engagement between their armed forces relating to training, joint exercises and other professional interactions. Progress will be made towards a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on defence exchanges and cooperation. Confidence building measures will be given great boost. That will thaw relations across the disputed border. The steps taken show strategic sapience. Greater interaction at the Brigade level will contribute to amity and the Chinese officials paved the way for progress towards that objective. That will defuse all Doklam-like crises.
However, India’s strengthening military muscles raise Chinese hackles. Chinese are reported to be still in occupation in Doklam. Border incursions in 1962 cast a long shadow. Beijing is trying to curtail India’s influence in South Asia. The disputed LOAC is still a very prickly issue and ironing out differences seems a remote possibility. Talks have not helped but an understanding about the border dispute alone can bring about stability. Collaboration between India and China is a key to economic development between the two neighbours and India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is harping on diplomacy to avoid armed conflict.
However, what is jarring is the repeated harangue by the President of the Indian National Congress, Rahul Gandhi who is flagging the Doklam issue at international forums instead of addressing the issue at home. When it comes to border disputes and national interests, political leaders are not expected to play politics. The country is bigger than any political party or government. In fact it is the remit of all political parties to sit across the table and chalk out strategies on how to defuse Doklam like crises. It is wrong to try and score political points on issues of national security. The Modi Government too is expected to rise above petty party politics and involve and engage all political parties in addressing issues like Doklam. Collective wisdom, after all is the best wisdom!