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Journalism of Courage
A month before its incursion into the Depsang valley,China moved a draft agreement with India,calling for no undue increase in current troop levels,in order to maintain peace on the boundary.
While this is not going to be acceptable to the Indian side given its plans to strengthen military presence on the border,New Delhi has been cautious not to formally convey its stance to Beijing. Also,the draft contains several other confidence building measures which could be useful to India. This includes the idea of establishing certain procedures to de-escalate situations like the ongoing face-off.
South Block is currently studying the draft agreement and its implications on Indias military plans. The government has already decided to raise additional divisions in the eastern sector,and is now considering a proposal to raise a new corps. Several airfields are being upgraded to improve Air Force response along the border.
The Indian defence establishment has been cold to Chinese gestures,fuelling speculation that the standoff could be way to build pressure on India to take call on this agreement before Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visits next month. While this may only be an assessment,the fact is China has indeed been pressing for this agreement.
Beijing made a first formal move during the annual defence dialogue in January. Defence Secretary Shashikant Sharma showed interest and invited the Chinese side to submit a draft agreement. China responded in early March,and followed up during PLA Deputy Chief of General Staff Lt Gen Qi Jianguos visit to India on March 22.
However,India conveyed it was studying the details and would respond through formal diplomatic channels. The understanding in New Delhi then was that there was time until June when Defence Minister A K Antony was to visit China. It was only later that China told India about Lis plan to visit.
The Indian assessment was that China was keen to ensure predictability on the India border at a time when its military attention is focused on Japan and the South China Sea. India too has been wanting to add predictability to dealings with China,especially as it strengthens military presence along border.
But now,sources say,it appears China wants the agreement only on its terms. And the longer Chinese troops stay in Depsang,the more they would strengthen the assumption that the agreement was meant to stunt Indias military plans.
