We all know what happened in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh region on the intervening night of June 15 and 16. Our braves fought valiantly and 20 of them gave supreme sacrifice for the motherland. This loss is insurmountable for every Indian.
However, beyond border skirmishes what will be the larger impact of Chinese belligerence? We (I and Sushant Jha) discussed and debated the issue late last night and concluded that the whole issue created by China has worked and will work in India’s favour. Here’s how:
1. China was always seen as aggressor, an expansionist, a bully and with the current crisis, its image dents further. Yesterday US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described the ruling Communist Party of China as a “rogue actor.” While addressing his EU counterparts he hinted that soon European Countries would have to make a choice – U.S or China? The larger possibility here is that Beijing expansionist fear and cultural affiliation would make them join hands vs. China.
2. India by quickly announcing the death of 20 jawans, played another important card quite well. We are seen as a victim of Chinese brute power and treachery. There’s a huge soft corner for India in the international opinion market. We are already witnessing pro-India writing in NYT, Guardian, WaPo etc. which otherwise are known Indian critics.
3. India moves firmly closer to the West. In fact, China pushed us towards the West. It would have otherwise taken 30-40 years to reach this state of closeness with western capitals, we are enjoying today.
4. On strategic issue, we will see India’s border infrastructure development picking further pace. Irrespective of party in the govt, procrastination or neglect on this front would be seen as ‘rashtra droh’.
5. India’s defence procurements have always been seen with suspicion in various quarters domestically. One argument being given is that we as a developing nation have other rational and pressing needs. Things will change dramatically on this front. In fact, amidst the current crisis we have ordered 12 Sukhoi, 21 MiG 29 without a murmur. This had happened post 1962 war as well.
6. On the economic front we would see a big ‘Aatmnirbhar Bharat push’. The current crisis and our over dependence on Chinese imports has made a conducive mahaul for pushing big bang economic and governmental reforms with lesser opposition. Our people too seem to be ready to bear some pain.
7. Coming back to the border question, China by its Salami Slicing technique has already occupied our 42,000 sq km territory bit by bit. If Doklam 2017 was a warning, Galwan incident has clearly demonstrated to them what cost it will have to pay for further expansion. Beijing and PLA will think over hundred times before making the next move.
8. Lastly, slowly China would lose a lucrative market of over 1.3 billion people. Even if it doesn’t lose 100 per cent, it will soon have enough competition from our domestic producers.
