HVK Archives: Break the containment
Break the containment - The Observer
Editorial
()
May 5, 1998
Title: Break the containment
Author: Editorial
Publication: The Observer
Date: May 5, 1998
Defence minister George Fernandes has rightly acknowledged that
China is India's main threat. In doing so he has parted with the
unfortunate tradition of soft-pedalling Beijing's role in
heightening India's insecurity. A nuclear China, which is in
occupation of large chunks of Indian territory, is all the more
reason for this country to take a more forthright stand. This
means convincing Beijing of India's threat perceptions and also
prevailing upon it to be more accommodative. Failure to do so
would entail matching China's military might. As if the threat it
directly poses is not enough, China has been aiding Pakistan in
developing nuclear weapons and delivery systems. Still,
successive Prime Ministers and defence ministers of India were
content with criticising only Pakistan.
Mr Fernandes' candour has to be understood in this context as
well as the BJP's well-known stand on nuclear weapons. With its
nuclear missiles in Tibet and the electronic surveillance set-up
at Myanmar's Coco Islands, China is directly threatening India's
northern, eastern and southern borders. And, thanks to Pakistan,
Beijing has not left India's western border safe. Hence, the
Chinese encirclement of this country is complete. So far, the
government underplayed this aspect with the hope, perhaps, that
China could be brought around to appreciate India's concerns. It
nevertheless failed, as mere hopes always do in the no-nonsense
world of realpolitik.
India's security policy has entered a crucial phase with the
recent statements by the ruling party and the government on the
issue. These statements also indicate the resolve of the Vajpayee
government: It is committed to pursue a more active policy if
China and Pakistan persist with hostile acts. It is also
immaterial whether India's security is achieved through armament
or disarmament. It is, however, to be hoped that the openness of
the defence minister will be translated into action. The proposed
strategic review as well as the National Security Council should
be utilised to formulate informed policies. That is the only way
this country can break out of containment.
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