Welcome truce!

Indians have a sigh relief after tensions arising out of standoff between the troops of India and China for over two-and-a-half months, have finally decided to de-escalate both neighbours agreed to withdraw their soldiers from the tri-junction which they share with Bhutan. The good part is, this de-escalation comes a week before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to travel to Xiamen in China for the BRICS summit. And, the message is loud and clear from both the foreign ministries: The troop withdrawal has been ‘mutual' and ‘simultaneous'. And, if their separate announcements are any indication, it is a welcome sign for the diplomacy of both the nations and a better understanding between them has prevailed over the harsh rhetoric which was gaining currency over the past 10-odd weeks. While New Delhi using a measured tone in context with ‘expeditious disengagement on border' as part of the understanding between the two countries indicates the government's ‘wise' method of taking up diplomatic measures with the ‘angry' dragon. Interestingly, some contrast in the versions of the statements provided by both countries about the disengagement, it is really soothing to know that both countries, at least, have been able to issue statements – with each taking cognisance of the other's constraints. With this de-escalation, both the countries now would be comfortable while addressing their domestic audiences as both seem to have agreed to disagree. The reasons for the stand-off's conclusion, however, are easier to understand. China had attempted to threaten and coax India through public messages and mocking videos. But, it did not work. Indian troops were also better positioned on the ground, with more brisk supply lines than their Chinese counterparts, consequently causing uncertainty over the much-publicised BRICS Summit in Chinese city of Xiamen. The early resolution of the stand-off was a Hobson's choice for Beijing as it wanted to save its face before greeting the Indian Prime Minister. Though arguably the two sides demonstrated that despite the heated exchange of words, a peaceful and diplomatic solution could be found – its long-term implications are uncertain. While India has shown its firmness in protecting its own security interests as well as of its neighbours, China has done damage to its reputation in India by its poor handling of the situation. Meanwhile, everyone hopes the decision on Doklam will guide the bilateral spirit beyond the BRICS summit once Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet there, diplomats must kick off something new to repair the cracks that have been appearing time and again over the past few months. This summit will be an opportunity for both sides to engage and move ahead with a positive frame of mind while initiating a road map to resolve such contentious issues. Even though the two countries may be unwilling to start a border war, minor confrontations are possible if they cannot check such skirmishes in the coming days.