Letter from the Editor-in-Chief

China is annoyed with India as India did not allow the Dirty game of China to stop the infrastructure development at Indo-China borders. During last few years, India has witnessed rapid infrastructure development at the Line of Control bordering China. Among the reasons behind China’s recent provocation, lies the building up of these strong Indian roads in 2020. These roads have facilitated the Indian Army to easily patrol the areas bordering the eastern part of Ladakh and keep an eye on all the actions of China, who has been opposing these constructions. Therefore, China’s restlessness has increased with India’s strong infrastructure along the LAC. China appears to have also understood that India in its new avatar will not allow any of its tricks to succeed.

In almost two decades, only a few roads could be built, the quality of many of these roads was so poor that these roads could not carry loads of military weapons like howitzer cannons and Multiple-Launch Rocket Systems. Now, the situation is changing with the rapid construction of strong roads that can be also used in all weather conditions, besides bearing the burden of heavy weapons and armoured vehicles. Such developmental activities could not be digested by the Chinese troops.

On the other hand, Chinese forces on the ground have damaged “considerable trust” in the bilateral relationship. The violent faceoff between the troops of India and China at the Galwan Valley in east Ladakh on June 15 night, has left behind the erstwhile policy of past regimes. This has proved that China is shaken culminating into the disaster where 20 of our Indian soldiers were martyred along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), giving back the befitting reply and taught them a lesson who had dared to raise an eye towards our nation.

However, diplomatic talks ongoing, an offer to mediate by the U.S. President Donald Trump was rejected by both nations. India has downplayed the skirmishes and China says dialog can resolve the situation. Most observers say, war is unlikely, since neither side wants to escalate matters.It is entirely upon the responsibility of the Chinese side to take a careful view of the relations and to decide which direction the ties should move. PM also made it clear that India would respond firmly to any attempts to transgress the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

While diplomatic parleys continue, no one can challenge a determined India. A clear signal has been sent to China that border annexation of Indian Territory will no longer be tolerated. Though India is a peaceful nation, we will negotiate only from a position of strength. And this can happen when strong leadership under PMModi is guiding India’s security policy based on national interests.

Dr. K. K. Jhunjhunwala