The incursion by 600 troops of Peoples Libration Army (PLA) of China against 100 odd Indian soldiers, their movement of civilian population of nomads deep inside establishing a tented camp with support from PLA and their air maintenance by China, their posturing to obstruct our project of digging an irrigation canal; all at a time coordinated with the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping could not be just a coincidence. It could also not be an act of dis-coordinated efforts between the PLA and the Polite Bureau of China. Nor it is believable that with all the major news agency headlines covering it in India, the Chinese Embassy would have not apprised their government (say President) of the Indian concern and sensitivity.
Read it with the Pakistan’s invitation to Kashmir separatists before the proposed Foreign Secretaries’ talks and entertaining them overlooking Indian objection and increased ceasefire violations, timed with the meeting. The posturing of Bangla Desh Rifles (BDR) with Indian BSF before Sheikh Hasina’s visit, arrest and ill-treatment of our fishermen at Sri Lanka preceding bilateral negotiations and their President’s visit. All these were signs of aggressive neighbours taking advantage of our ‘Banana nation’ reputation earned over a period of at least a decade worth of soft policies pursued by the government. So much so, even the ‘separatists’ block from a few Tehsils in Kashmir comprising of even some under-trial criminals, self styling as custodians of Kashmir spelled out ‘terms’ for India to negotiate , not below the head of the nation level, and demanded ‘tri-party talks’ to resolve the Kashmir non-issue.
The plain (tough) talk by Indian Prime Minister with Xi Jinping on 18th Sept remained purposeful, promising and its impact reflected in late night withdrawal by Chinese troops, same day. The amicability gained with Japan at the same time is certainly remarkable. The terms were also made clear with Pakistan by suspension of talks. With the backdrop of Indian stand on WTC issue the meeting with US President will further promote Indian image and standing in the foreign affairs. To quote Modi, are we “inching to a mile”, towards better days (Achhe Din) and emerging out of the ‘banana nation’
reputation?
