Letters to the Editor

Resolve bilateral differences

The Indian and Chinese Foreign Ministers acknowledged that the standoff at Doklam, earlier this year, was a difficult phase, even as military sources indicated that both sides have boosted their military presence in the area.

An Indian diplomatic source said the status quo at Doklam remains unchanged. During discussions between Exterl Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the issue came up and both sides acknowledged that Doklam was a difficult phase and now it is the time to move ahead.

Mr Wang Yi is the first high level official from Chi to visit India after the Doklam standoff ended in August last. He had a meeting with Sushma Swaraj, before the duo joined Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov for a trilateral meeting.

Meanwhile, sources said that the deployment on both sides have altered post-Doklam. Chi has now stationed over 1,500 soldiers just a few kilometers from the standoff point, while the Indian Army has deployed three divisions in Sikkim.

The deployment on both sides is not a good sign and it will not remove bilateral differences. India will have to resolve the bilateral differences with Chi in a fair, reasoble and mutually acceptable manner. For this purpose, a peaceful relationship between the two neighbours is a must so that both countries can sit together to resolve differences with more seriousness, determition and long-term vision.

Satish Kumar Sarma,

Kalyanpur, Biswanth Chariali.