FOR BETTER RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA
ARVIND K.PANDEY
(Published In The BUSINESS INDIA ,DEC.31,2006)
True ,we cannot avoid China altogether in the wake
of larger scheme of political necessities . However , it'sa catch-22
situation for India ,which cannot ignore China's dubious activities in Tibet and its tactical support to divisive forces in our border areas . One wonders why strengthening of economic relationship does not lead to dilution of political conflicts . How can aura of trust encircle this new-found love for each other ,more so when contentious issues remain unsolved till date ? Does economic need has the power to make love and hate run parallel to each other ? Well, it's time for our new Foreign minister to pressurize his Chinese counterpart to have an unambiguos approach in sensitive matters .One appreciates the positive gestures of President Hu Jinato aimed at strengthening Sino-Indian relationship . Probably , China eyes the buying power of Indian middle class that has compelled him to pay heed to India's concerns in a sensitive way . However , there is word of caution : India should not become a tool in extending China's influence in the global politics . One cannot ignore the fact that Chinese have suffered from gaps in words and deeds .It matters a lot to us how China come to strike a chord with our trouble-makers -our so-called neighbours . An uambgiuous strategic relationship with Pakistan or ,for that matter, trasparency in Tibetan affairs will alone provide a smooth ride for business deals with them . The ' Hindi- Chini Bhai Bhai ' sloganeering could again prove to be an eysore for the Indian policymakers in asence of unequivocal rhetoric in politically sensitive matters .
