Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'India should ally with US to tackle Pakistan and China' that was published in Newsband

India should ally with US to tackle Pakistan and China

China has decided to block the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist at the UN Security Council. This is a setback to India’s post-Pulwama diplomatic strategy. Beijing had blocked the Azhar listing in the past, including just after the 2008 Mumbai attacks. From 2016 to 2018, India’s proposals to list Azhar, with evidence of JeM involvement in the Pathankot airbase attack, were also foiled by China. China, as the one country that has refused to allow Azhar’s name on the list, is well aware of the evidence against him, but is not ready to withdraw its objections. It is clear that China is unwilling to align itself with India on its concerns on cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

China’s stand is regrettable and condemnable, and it has been consistent on this issue. Will New Delhi confront Beijing to try to persuade it to change its stand by means of incentives or coercion? This is a challenge. It is also unlikely that the suggestions being offered by some political groups, of cutting imports from China and other punitive actions, will yield much. The dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad, and even possible “triangular” talks including Beijing, is indicative of China’s thinking. Nice joke, particularly when it has invested heavily in favour of Pakistan and we should expect the Chinese to play neutral.

China has been untrustworthy from the days we foolishly believed Hindi Cheeni Bhai Bhai. Since then, the relationship has never been repaired. Next time, Pakistan indulges in terror attacks in Indian soil (which they will), India can launch a missile against them without being worried about United Nations. After all its permanent member is a supporter of terror sponsoring Pakistan. India can do what it needs to without worrying about China's position with regards to suicide attacks against innocent.

Some people still feel that China is better placed to help India solve its problem with Pakistan. Now China uses all tools available to it to retaliate. For example, it shut down South Korean supermarket chain Lotte when a dispute developed between the two nations. It stopped export of rare earth material to Japan when a Chinese fishing vessel was caught. If it can use commerce as a tool, why India shouldn't? After all, Chinese commerce is hit badly now and China cannot afford an already huge (and potentially extremely large) Indian market. Secondly, how can a country on whose political, economic & military support Pakistan is attacking us, help us resolve the Pakistani problem?

India could not pursue China to list Azhar as Global terrorist.The only option India has is to take Isreal type military action against Terrorists in Pakistan so also in Kashmir. Boldness without political interference is need of the hour.

We should treat China as an imperialist power that wants to subjugate others. Cutting of imports from China should happen regardless of their stand on Pakistan's terror-support. Chinese imports are not only killing Indian industry by undercutting costs, but also generating more garbage with unwanted packaging and have shorter product life cycles.

China's blockage is understandable as it shares a Muslim sensitive border with Pakistan and if it supports UNSC on declaring Azhar as terrorist, China is wary that he may open another front of terrorist activity inside of China border from Pakistan which will be problem from China. It is quite obvious and Indian side in UN should highlight this.

Since China’s opposition to rein-in JeM chief may continue even for indefinite period, India should concentrate its efforts to use action by FATF (Financial Action Task Force) as an effective tool to counter both Pakistan & China. FATF is a tool which is in hands of all democratic countries. The entire democratic world knows that Pakistan provides support in form of funds and arms to different terror outfits. France, Germany and many European countries have often felt adverse impact of terrorist activities and they will all be with India in support of penal action by FATF. We must continue our efforts to pressurise Pakistan and compel the Pakistani establishment to take tough measures against JeM, LeT, JuD, and many other terror outfits, even if China does not support us in these efforts.

China and Pakistan have a sixty year old, rock solid relationship, the cement being shared animosity towards India. That has imposed a substantial cost, in terms of defence spending, always being ready for a two front war. India and China have developed a substantial volume of trade, although skewed in China’s favour, have succeeded in keeping such a long, undemarcted border free of conflict. The three can coexist more peacefully only if India allies with the United States. There is no other solution.