Doklam: War Of Words Intensifies Between India And China
India-China standoff at the Doklam is intensifying with every passing day. Both the countries have made their stands clear and a war of words has already begun. Many are speculating that this debacle may lead in to a war. However, External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday (3 August) made India’s stand clear by ruling out the possibility of a war and said that dialogue will be the only way out.
“We will not lose our patience, dialogue through diplomatic channels is the solution to this problem right now.”
“Even after war there is a dialogue then why not avoid war and sort it out with peace talks,” Swaraj added further.
The minister also clarified that the standoff between India and China at the tri-junction area should not only be looked from only Doklam’s perspective but also with regard to the bilateral relationships between the two countries.
Discussing India’s foreign policies, she said “Hamari jo aarthik kshamta badh rahi hai, usme China ka yogdaan hai… unka yahan bahut zyada risk, stake hai… kitne zyada contract unhe diye huye hain (China has contributed to our growing economic strength. For them, there’s a lot at stake, risk here. They have been awarded many contracts).”
Swaraj stressed that times have now changed and nations are no longer known by their strategic capacity but by their economic capacity.
“As our economy is growing and progressing, a huge investment in it comes from China. It is a big support and a key country in India’s economic development.”
China’s investments in India have grown from $116 billion in May 2014 to $160 million now, which is a hike of 37 per cent.
Swaraj, however, was quick to mention that India has a standing army ready to deal with such situations. She insisted that India will handle the circumstances with patience, restraint and diplomacy.
Swaraj’s response came after China issued a 15 page document stating its claims at Doklam. She had earlier said that there would be peace talks only when both sides would remove their armies.
China, on the other hand, has said that India should show willingness for peace by deeds. China claims that 48 Indian soldiers, backed by a "large number" of troops, have been deployed at Doklam area which is acting as a hindrance for the country to build a road on its side of the boundary.
In a statement, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the action of Indian side amounts to that of "irresponsibility and recklessness."
