India must warn China to stop going beyond limits: Experts

In the midst of tension between India and China over the Galwan face-off, experts told ETV Bharat's senior reporter Chandrakala Choudhary that New Delhi needs to exercise caution, but also unambiguously warn Beijing not to cross limits.

New Delhi: Several rounds of military and diplomatic talks between India and China are ongoing to ease tensions in the Galwan valley region on the Line of Actual Control.

Earlier this month, the MEA had stated that both sides agreed on a process for de-escalation and disengagement along the LAC and not undertake any activity to alter the status quo. However, China did not respect the agreement and sought to erect structures just across the LAC. When the attempt was thwarted, it triggered clashes.

However, as fast-paced developments are observed in the region from the Chinese side, experts say that it is important for India to be cautious as the situation is going to be challenging. They opined that India should give a clear message to China that 'thus far and not beyond'.

"Chinese are trying to give India a signal that they not going to stop. By giving such signals, they are sending signals to their armed forces as well as their own domestic audience. China is going to send this message to all the neighbouring countries of India ensuring them that China can rescue them when in trouble and stand up against India. There are many reasons behind it," former ambassador JK Tripathi told ETV Bharat.

"Let me assure there would be no war because neither of the countries can afford a full-fledged war. The disengagement is definitely going to take some time, sooner the better. I personally don't feel that the Chinese will be able to do a bigger manoeuvre. China is just threatening India and even if they cross the limits, then it will not be confined to only bilateral war but culminate into a regional war," he added.

"India should not relent the pressure and draw away with the momentum that it is going to have. India must send an unambiguous message to China that 'thus far and not beyond'," he stated.

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Further, strategic affairs expert Sushant Sareen said, "I am extremely skeptical about Chinese intention and won't consider them to be honourable. It is overall a precarious situation. Until we see any evidence on the ground, it is very difficult to say. I think what had happened this time will have a long-term impact on military, strategy and economy."

"A lot of changes are likely to happen concerning the trade ties of the nations as a lot of joint business ventures would not be permitted anymore. Secondly, by and large, most areas along the LAC are not militarized, I think that needs to be changed, something like what happened in Kargil areas after the Pakistani intrusion. It is a serious situation," Sareen pointed out.

Over the last few days, China has been laying claim over Galwan valley though India called it "untenable."

According to reports, China has also increased the number of troops and weaponry in several other key sectors along the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Uttarakhand.

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JK Tripathi further underlined that if the tension escalates more, India should not get involved in arm combats. "One positive point is that many defence think tank institutions in Sweden and the U.S are unanimous that when it comes to high altitude warfare, India has no match. Even though India's armed forces are less in number, they are much better trained in mountainous warfare," he said.

The Ministry of External Affairs during a meeting clearly pointed out that the Chinese side has been amassing a large contingent of troops and armaments along the LAC which is not in accordance with the provisions of the various bilateral agreements on the maintenance of peace and tranquility along the LAC.

Emphasizing India's strategy against Chinese transgressions, Tripathi suggested that military preparedness should be impeccable on the borders to meet any eventuality. Secondly, India must put pressure on China through the international community including security council, other regional groupings and thirdly, India should also reduce trade with China, Tripathi said.

India on Friday warned China that trying to alter the status quo on the ground by resorting to force will not just damage the peace that existed in the border areas, but can also have repercussions in the broader bilateral relationship.

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