India Wins Again : Nepal softens, China Next?

Nepal’s plan to move a constitutional amendment in the Parliament has been put on hold. The amendment was to update the map with Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura as part of Nepalese territory. It is believed the Prime Minister of Nepal, KP Oli feared that he may not have the number to support his move.

This gave India and Nepal time to tackle the budding issues arising at the border. The problem started  when Nepal went against India’s recent opening of an 80-km road to Lipulekh on the Chinese border.  Nepal seems to claim Lipulekh, but the external affairs ministry said the road was “completely within the territory of India”.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava stated that India is working on the recent border issues that have arose between the two countries. “We note this matter is receiving careful consideration in Nepal, taking its seriousness into account, India is open to engaging with all its neighbours on the basis of mutual sensitivity and mutual respect, in an environment of trust and confidence. This is a continuous process and requires constructive and positive efforts.”

On the other hand, tensions had been flaring at the border amidst the Chinese and Indian troops stand off. United States President Donald Trump, who wished to intervene to help resolve the budding issues between the two countries was informed that India and China are working together to resolve the issue peacefully.

The Ministry of External Affairs said, “The two sides have established mechanisms both at military and diplomatic levels to resolve situations, which may arise in border areas, peacefully through dialogue and continue to remain engaged through these channels”. This statement was issued after the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said that the situation at the border is “stable and controllable”.

MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava also stated that, “very responsible approach towards border management and are strictly following the procedures laid out in various bilateral agreements and protocols with China to resolve any issue that may arise in the border areas. India is committed to the objective of maintenance of peace and tranquility in the border areas with China and our armed forces scrupulously follow the consensus reached by our leaders and the guidance provided. At the same time, we remain firm in our resolve to ensure India’s sovereignty and national security”.

Both the countries are working together to resolve the issue which had in the past escalated so quickly. The diplomatic exchanges between the two countries has went up a notch as both countries are trying to peacefully resolve the problem in hand. This has received international attention as Trump intended to intervene. Considering China’s current sour relations with the US, it is yet to be seen what impact international attention and pressure has on the two countries and their effort to resolve the issue.

Just within a couple of days, both Nepal and China have softened their stand against India. China considers that both Elephant and Dragon should dance together instead of fighting with each other.