India, China narrow down differences

THE sixth round of talks between the Special Representatives of India and China on the border question which concluded on Wednesday marked the beginning of the second phase of negotiations. Neither side has reportedly gone into the specifics, but the talks have been friendly and constructive all along. The neighbours have been able to narrow down the differences considerably. The border is tranquil. That is what matters the most. The mechanism of Special Representatives was created over two years ago. When the political complexion of the government changed in New Delhi, there was apprehension in some quarters that the exercise may slow down and get diffused. It goes to the credit of the leadership in both countries that nothing of that sort happened. On the contrary, the discussions have acquired a sharper focus following the signing of the landmark agreement on political parameters and guiding principles for settling the border dispute in April this year.

The progress made so far has been fairly impressive. Sikkim is no longer an issue in the India-China relations. Trade ties are expanding apace. Border trade is set to resume through the Nathu La pass. Interestingly, the latest Chinese publications do not even mention "border dispute”. This is, instead, called the "boundary question left over by our history”.

In fact, the approach followed by New Delhi and Beijing has become an ideal template which can be followed by other countries as well. India has been advocating a similar display of sagacity to Pakistan and Bangladesh. India and China have not allowed themselves to be bogged down by the vexatious border question. Instead, they have made considerable progress on the strategic-economic front. The two giants have stopped seeing each other as rivals, and have agreed to play a complementary role. Both strive to reserve their place on the global high table and have rightly come to realise that they can help each other in this endeavour. What must be noted is that the 1962 conflict apart, they two countries have actualised peaceful coexistence in an exemplary manner.