If President Xi Jinping’s visit to Gujarat focussed on business and bilateral bonhomie, it was clear that his day in New Delhi and talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday were defined by discussions on the boundary issue and reported incursions in Ladakh’s Chumar sector.
According to one source, the shift came after some members of the Sangh Parivar, both in the Bharatiya Janata Party and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, expressed concern about the “over-effusive” welcome to Mr. Xi despite reports of more Chinese troops entering Chumar sector.
“It was particularly disturbing for them to see images of the two leaders sitting on a swing by the Sabarmati riverside, while China is openly challenging us at the border, and we asked that security officials update the PM with the latest situation,” the source said. It was also indicated that the traditional position of the BJP on China was tougher, and it had criticised the UPA government for not tackling border incursions directly.
