In an era of building economic bridges between the countries, in an era of abhorring divisions like the cold war period, in an era to paving the way for confidence building rather than fanning the hostilities, two giants of Asia, in that spirit, created ripples in international diplomacy recently following Prime Minister Modi’s visit to China .
It matters a lot when being closet for two days , Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with 10 hours of conversation in more than six meetings which unexpectedly for many, strengthened personal bonding in Wuhan city and sent clear messages across the globe that economics matters more than nursing hostilities on perpetual basis. The message was clear, explicit and unambiguous that the two countries together are and could be the care takers of more than 40 percent of the world’s population. Differences inter- se, could not be allowed to take the heavy toll of the larger benefits of cooperation and partnership for peace, progress and welfare of the people. The credit goes to the matured, assertive and successful diplomatic prowess of Prime Minister Modi , the test of the pudding (Doklam) was in its tasting (firm Indian stand) which gave a new dimension to the last 55 years of perpetual mistrust and uncertainties between the two countries.
The dialogues and engagements at Wuhan have been institutionalized for starting afresh efforts to find areas of close cooperation and understanding each other’s view point. Though there were no formalities of issuing of the customary “joint statement” , yet a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs read, “The forward looking dialogue raised the level of strategic communication about the perspective , priorities and vision that guide their respective policy choices domestically, regionally and globally .” The statement concluded with,” it also helped them in forging a common understanding of the future direction of India- China relations built upon mutual respect for each other’s developmental aspirations and prudent management of differences with mutual sensitivities.” To start with, India plans to host version 2.0 on its soil next year.
Both the leaders, most importantly, have agreed and decided to issue, what is termed as, strategic guidance, to their respective militaries to strengthen communications to build trust and understanding. This move is primarily aimed at avoiding a Doklam like situation in the future. This also opened up vistas and scope for understanding the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in all areas of the India- China border region. To prevent frequent border “incidents”, this move and reaching at an understanding, assumes lot of importance.
We cannot get swayed by how continuously for 5 decades, the relations between the two countries have got mired in mistrust , one sided hegemony, border versions, Tibet, territories claims, weak diplomacy etc but even slight breakthrough must send positive signals around. Mutual partnership in projects in Afghanistan must set Pakistan and its Government into a tizzy as points have been scored by Indian diplomacy right from Wuhan, over Pakistan in various ways. It will be difficult for Pakistan to expect blind folded chumminess from China on its terror agenda, expectedly from now onwards.
We cannot expect all the problems having got resolved but we are sure, escalations too are not fanned but subdued and in the words of Modi, “We discussed ways to give impetus to our economic ties as well as people to people relations, about agriculture, technology, energy and tourism.” Bright ray of hope from Wuhan must keep shining
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel