The longstanding border problem between India, China and Pakistan needs to be resolved to foster better relations.
In August, China and India were engaged in a border standoff in Bhutan, where both nations refused to withdraw. A meeting between Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) in early September, in China, provided the disputants a solution to withdraw without losing face.
This episode shows the need for the two Asian giants to address the long-disputed boundary issues for a final settlement on a give-and-take basis, and not rely on a “cold peace” forever.
The 21st century is the Asian century. China and India will dominate world affairs.
Both nations need to set up a task force to demarcate their borders using mapping technology to resolve issues. There should be mutual understanding between the nations. Giving up a few hundreds of sq km of icy mountainous land on both sides should not be an issue, if there is goodwill.
India could gain from China’s One Belt One Road initiative. India has stayed out of this Chinese plan, citing that one of the routes passes through Pakistani-occupied Kashmir. This is a feeble excuse.
If the Kashmir crisis is not resolved, Pakistan could very well administer the disputed region in the next century. The line of control has become the de facto border for India and Pakistan, and the 1965 and 1971 wars did not change it, nor will it be changed in the future, barring a nuclear war between the two.
Is India going to forsake economic benefits due to this insistence? Cooperation with China, at this point of time, could bring mutual benefits to India.
The Kashmir crisis has led to both countries developing nuclear weapons and this checkmates the problem further. Almost every week, there are civilian or military casualties. India has stationed about 500,000 troops in Kashmir.
Despite Indian rule for the past 70 years , Kashmiris are rebelling or supporting freedom fighters. If, after all these decades of Indian administration, the Kashmiris want an end to Indian rule, it means that there is no way to placate them despite investments and elections.
Is it worthwhile for India and Pakistan to keep annexing Kashmir? Would it not be better to give Kashmiris the right to decide?
A peace and friendship treaty between the three nations will be a win-win formula. The only losers will be those who want to see the Asian giants engaging in a war of attrition.
V. Thomas
Sungai Buloh, Selangor