Why in news?
Last week after the disengagement talks with china, India asserted that peace across the border needs to be prevailed.
How serious was the standoff earlier?
- In Early May, China brought about 10,000 soldiers in full military preparation mode across the Ladakh (LAC).
- At least 20 Indian soldiers were killed during a violent clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley.
- External Affairs Minister acknowledged that relationship between countries is profoundly disturbed in comparison to the last 30 to 40 years.
How has China responded?
- China has again blamed India for the current crisis & said India is totally responsible for the standoff.
- It also said that china has strictly abided the border agreements.
- But this is in contrast with unprecedented mobilisation of Chinese troops to various points across the LAC since early May.
How has India responded?
- The Ministry of External Affairs asked China to match its words with actions.
- External Affairs Minister said that full disengagement will not take place very soon.
- He also cited the Sumdorong Chu crisis of 1986 that took nine years to resolve.
What is the road ahead?
- Other aspects of the relationship with China—from trade to growing links in fields like investment & education –rests upon Peace in the border.
- There is no road map yet to a return to the status quo across the border.
- The slow-moving talks on the LAC also raise the questions about the China’s willingness to restore the status quo.
- India must insist that china needs to abide by the past agreements.
- The government should be far more forthcoming than it has been earlier on the LAC.
- Public needs to be fully aware about the border situation and the state of the relationship with China.
- Transparency should take precedence over political expediency.
Source: The Hindu
