The perceptible thaw in the Sino-India relations, consequent upon the India visit of the Chinese President, about a year ago, appears getting eroded. The existing lukewarm state of affairs leave the observers of the developments in these two countries quite confused. Political analysts are of the opinion that while China has created a façade of warmth, simultaneously she is working overtime to encircle India by befriending Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Maldives. The Xinjiang-Gwadar corridor through an ambitious tunnel is yet another calculated move to give pin-pricks to India. At the same time it leaves no stone unturned to hoodwink India in several international fora.
About a year back, in my blog ‘My Turn’ , I had written a post on ethnic disturbances in Xinjiang province of China. The issue is, once again alive affecting our bilateral relations. Earlier, Indian move in the UNO to hold Azhar Mahmud of Pakistan as a terrorist was vetoed by China giving a setback to Indo-China relations. In this backdrop, when Dolkun Isa, a Uighur leader applied for Visa to attend a conference at Dharmshala, HP, India did not hesitate to oblige. Then China pointed out that Isa was wanted as Red Corner Notice was issued against him and immediately India had to retrace its steps. The issue is being hotly debated. While some accuse India succumbing to Chinese pressure, others call it that responding to that notice is our international obligation.
We know, Xinjiang is the last Chines province in north -west. Its main population is Uighur Muslims (90%). They speak a separate language, contiguous to Turkish. The overall Uighur culture is quite different from mainland China. Over the years they have been enjoying autonomous status. The things took a bad turn since 1990 when the Beijing started settling Hans from eastern provinces in Xinjiang. This not only disturbed the demographic equations but also denied the job opportunities to the original settlers. Since then the Muslim youth have taken to militant methods to seek autonomy. Isa is the head of the World Uighur Congress which is struggling to safeguard the interests of the sons of the soil.
According to serious political analysts, these developments are the result of some undercurrent diplomacy. India has been charging China of its misuse of veto on a baffling issue of terrorism. Finding itself all alone on the issue, China appears ready to soften its stand with the rider that India should block Isa's visa. Moreover, despite the developmental hype of last one decade , China is down the hill and the melting down of its currency has compelled the dragon to look for lift from others. On the other hand, despite the worldwide inflation, Indian growth has been satisfactory, enabling the country to boldly stand and handle diplomatic challenges.
In last two years, the present Indian politics, under the leadership of Narendra Modi, has left a niche on the international arena. The world is listening to us. Even othetrwise, on defence, nothing is being left to be desired. Expected monsoon bounty is bound to give us yet another boost to say more loudly what we have to say. Let China also listen.
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