Deep-rooted issues with China

The India-China relations are entangled in many knots and both countries are aware of it. The problems are deep-rooted and both have to adopt a sensitive approach. The cold-shouldering from Washington has prompted New Delhi to pivot its foreign policy, forcing it to re-engage with Beijing. The mounting pressure from the US and the West has forced India to pursue a diplomatic thaw with China despite recently strained ties which started with Doklam in 2017, followed by the 2020 Galwan clash. India today finds itself at a crossroads — on one side is China, a powerful, aggressive neighbour, while on the other side is an unrelenting America led by a President upset with India. The choice couldn’t be clearer. It can either keep drifting between major powers or shape a foreign policy grounded in internal strength.

Yashpal Ralhan, Jalandhar

Diplomatic convenience

Refer to ‘Tianjin Declaration’; the China-helmed SCO condemned the Pahalgam terror attack without naming Pakistan. This appears to be a diplomatic statement of limited substance. The declaration’s failure to call out the state sponsoring terrorism undermines its relevance. The lack of support from other SCO members suggests a preference for diplomatic convenience over a principled stand against terrorism. The declaration does not challenge the underlying geopolitical realities, nor does it secure a favourable position for India. Instead, it seems to reinforce a status quo where China’s interests, particularly in maintaining a suitable trade environment, supersede a clear and unified stance against cross-border terrorism.

Ramphal Kataria, Kurukshetra

Sincerity needed to mend ties

A strong bonhomie was visible amongst PM Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. But how this trilateral bonhomie is carried forward on the ground is yet to be seen, particularly between Beijing and Delhi. China’s past record with India has not been very promising. In the backdrop of China openly supporting Pakistan and trying to occupy Indian territory along the LAC, India’s relations with its neighbour will be under intense scrutiny. The only thing needed from both sides is sincerity in mending ties.

Ravinder Kumar Jain, Ludhiana

China must stop aiding Pakistan

Refer to ‘Tianjin Declaration’; welcoming Narendra Modi to the summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping asserted that it was the right choice for both India and China to be friends and not allow their border disputes to define their relations. Xi should be reminded that China must support New Delhi against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism on Indian soil and refrain from blocking the names of Pakistan-based terrorists that are suggested by India to be proscribed by the United Nations.

SS Paul, Nadia

A bigger challenge awaits govt

Refer to ‘Open the purse’; the immediate priority is relief and rehabilitation of the affected families. A bigger challenge awaits the government regarding compensation for farmers whose crops and livelihoods have been devastated. The Centre’s silence regarding any relief package has deepened the anguish. The Central leadership needs to reach out immediately to Punjab’s farmers, the backbone of the nation’s food security. Farmers deserve more than token sympathy as they have lost everything — their homes, crops and cattle.

HARBINDER S DHILLON, UNA

Mere publicity stunts

The floods in Punjab have brought immense suffering to the people. Instead of meaningful support, the government’s relief efforts have been marred by insensitive gestures that add insult to injury. Ministers taking photos while distributing packets of wheat showcases a callous disregard for the struggle of the flood-affected people. Food packets thrown from the CM’s helicopter dropping in water instead of the intended beneficiaries highlights the lack of seriousness. These gestures seem more like a publicity stunt than genuine support. The government’s priorities are misplaced, with a focus on photo ops rather than providing meaningful aid.

Capt Amar Jeet (retd), Kharar

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