TIES based on the principle of mutual respect result in continuum through crests and troughs when it comes to relations between two countries. Such ties are beneficial to the parties involved, and the respective region too. This is the core message one derives from the response of the External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Mr. Randhir Jaiswal, to the congratulatory social media post of the Chinese Foreign Ministry on electoral victory of Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi. It has been the strategy of Communist China to violate the territorial sovereignty of neighbours on ground or through cartographic aggression or through certain statements. It has been playing a ‘long game’ with its neighbours, especially India. Its policy has always been ‘two steps forward, one step back’, and in the process gain one step forward each such time. It has been adopting this technique in negotiations also. However, under Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, India has reinvented its diplomacy.

 

This process has been aided brilliantly by suave External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. May it be stand-off in Ladakh or in Doka La or clash in Galwan, India has not adopted a meek approach when it comes to dealing with the Communist China. Besides, with increased understanding of geopolitics, Indians have developed a sentiment against China’s hegemony. In today’s interconnected world, it has consequences. If China tries to impose its position on the lingering India-China border row, it is no more a matter discussed at the level of heads of these two countries. The ordinary Indians also express their opinions freely on social media as well as in public sphere. This gradually expands to the Indian diaspora in various countries across the world. Ultimately, the discussion at all these levels dents China’s international image. In contrast, India has emerged as a global economic powerhouse as well as a responsible power with greater acceptance as reflected in the successful transformation of G-20 grouping into G-21. While China has continued to make conflicts as mainstay of its diplomacy, India has been consistent in speaking the language of co-operation and shared growth.

 

India has never been aggressor, but China has a record of pursuing expansionist designs. Against this backdrop, Mr. Randhir Jaiswal’s comment of India pursuing efforts towards normalisation of India-China ties based on mutual respect, mutual interest, and mutual sensitivity, reflects consistency of stand. If China wants India to respect ‘One China’ policy, it also must respect ‘One India’ policy and do away with actions that disrespect India’s territorial sovereignty. If China expects sensitivityfrom India, it also must exhibit serious and genuine sensitivity towards Indian concerns relating to border row. If China wishes to protect own interests, it must not compromise the interests of India. This simple reciprocal behaviour holds the key to normal India-China ties.