While it is heartening to see that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are eager to resolve the boundary dispute (“PM talks tough in Ladakh incursions,” Sept.19), one is largely sceptical about the outcome, given the complex nature of the dispute that has been allowed to hang fire by both the sides on account of political, domestic and strategic considerations. Both leaders are known to being firm and decisive, which might make it possible to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution. The attempt must be to arrive at a genuine “negotiation” than merely talking. The word “negotiation” involves a certain amount of flexibility. We must also recognise the fact that in our own official maps (up to March 1948), a long stretch of territory in the northeastern part of Ladakh was shown as “boundary undefined.”
S.K. Choudhury,Bangalore
Two of the top global leaders shaking hands, smiling in front of cameras and then having a go at “swing diplomacy” — that appears to have irked the right-wing — in order to show that they are on the right path to engage in game-changing bilateral business is one thing. How such a spirited resolve to forge ahead economically translates into solving the most important issue of settling the border dispute is quite another. The irony is that each country has its own historical baggage, and finding convergence is no easy task. The voluminous documents of WikiLeaks have shown the world the ugly face of politics, where “talking one thing and doing another” is the shameless etiquette followed in diplomatic circles. Let us wait and see how the “open- minded” and “realistic” Mr. Xi and the “progress”-driven Mr. Modi approach the issue. Failure to find an amicable solution will only lead to the LAC becoming a “Locked in Armed Conflict” zone for ever.
Victor Frank A.,Chennai
Mr. Modi deserves appreciation for showing fine statesmanship in extending a very warm welcome to the Chinese President. Even though Mr. Modi spoke of Chinese intrusions and Arunachal Pradesh in the run-up to the general election, better sense appears to have prevailed upon him this time. The worth of the investments to be made by China in India which run into several billion dollars should reverse the myopic mindset of officials on both sides and pave the way for mutually beneficial ties. The two Asian powers can together set a new benchmark in international relations. Who knows, the border dispute could just fade away.
K. Baskar,Chennai
