This refers to the editorial, “A peaceful roadmap” (August 5). Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj's speech in the Rajya Sabha on India-China standoff comes as a breath of fresh air in the highly surcharged atmosphere at Doklam. Swaraj's measured response to the Opposition was in the fitness of things because war can never be the solution. One cannot broach 1962 with imprudence every time as the situation then was sharply different when compared to what it is today. Confrontational politics will lead a country to nowhere and present circumstances call for a healthy dialogue between New Delhi and Beijing. Comments like “limits to restraint” and “serious repercussions” by Chinese officials are ploys to derail any meaningful attempt towards talks.
India should prove that it is a country which is not provoked by rantings of a dominating nation which knows very well that New Delhi is no minnow to let its guard down. India's commitment to return to status quo, so long as China moves back from the disputed land, should be hailed. Though Swaraj has aptly reiterated that there is need for building on the existing bilateral economic cooperation and patience is the key, China should imbibe the fact that Bhutan's active participation is crucial to break the impasse. It is important for India to speak with one voice, and the Opposition cannot be an exception.