Towards Peace On The Border

Context: India’s strategic shift in diplomacy is paying off rich dividends and is an opportune moment to revive its strategic position in South Asia.

Recent developments in favour of India

• India-China: Second time in the last few years, China been forced to make a reassessment of its ground strategy
  • 2017 Doklam stand-off: Mobilisation of Indian forces led to the withdrawal of Chinese equipment and troops from the disputed area.
  • 2021 in eastern Ladakh: Withdrawn Chinese troops across the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
• India-Pakistan: Pakistan has voluntarily come forward for a ceasefire across the Line of Control (LoC).
  • Underlying risk: Pakistan’s propensity to spread terror and violence in India when under pressure:
  • Pakistan’s precarious position: FATF sword, economic crisis, pending China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, exports impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
• New US Administration stance: Largely sided with India on concerns over Beijing’s pattern of diplomacy in South Asia and Indo-Pacific.

Underlying strategic shift: Proactive diplomacy together with strong ground posturing

• Old strategy: Prior to 2014, India used to engage in diplomacy and close matters through a quiet give and take. Indian troops used to generally avoid a face-off.
• New policy: Indian forces practice active engagement on ground while the leadership engages in negotiations with counterparts.
• Inspiration: Mao Zedong’s reliance on ‘armed coexistence’ instead of ‘peaceful coexistence’ between India and China in 1960s.

Conclusion: Current situation provides an opportune moment for India to revive its strategic position in South Asia.