It was China’s game plan in the run-up to the NSG plenary that introduced strains in the India-China relationship (“A Himalayan balancing act”, July 1). India’s radical departure from its principle of non-alignment must also be looked at.
The U.S. might be the world’s only superpower, but it is also a ‘keen businessman’. All its actions are linked to its interests. As China is emerging as the biggest opposing force to the U.S., it is in India’s interests to maintain a balance while dealing with both the U.S. and China.
Karan Choudhary,
Pathankot, Punjab
China and India have much in common. But China’s shrewd diplomacy has meant that India has constantly been on the back foot in South Asia. The NSG developments have further complicated whatever bilateral relations we have tried to maintain and develop. In opposing India’s bid to join the NSG, China seems to be following its ancient military strategist Sun Tzu’s doctrine which sets much greater store in seeking to weaken and isolate the enemy rather than in actually fighting him. Organisations like the NSG are not really about international law but more about geopolitics.
C.V. Venugopalan,
Palakkad
Maintaining ties with China is no doubt difficult given China’s constantly shifting positions and its unreliable stance. The 1962 war, subsequent incidents of border incursions and now thwarting our NSG bid have taught us enough lessons. We need good relations but cannot afford to lower our vigil. We also need to keep an eye on another dangerous neighbour, Pakistan.
R. Ramanathan,
Coimbatore
