India is the only country that has never attempted territorial expansion beyond its geographical borders and hence, never attacked any neighbouring country. Because of its strong spiritual legacy, it is satisfied with its own land, people and resources. Not only this, it has always helped its neighbours during disasters and epidemics. Going one step further, India has also forgotten and forgiven injuries inflicted upon it in the past, to maintain cordial relations.
Historically, China, Nepal, Tibet, India and some other neighbouring countries have been the nucleus of oriental philosophy, religion and culture under the umbrella of Buddhism. The central philosophy of India has been “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (whole world is one family). Lord Buddha taught us the higher human values of kindness, compassion, nonviolence, peace and harmony. Unfortunately, India has been a victim of many foreign attacks and invasions. It has suffered tyranny, despotism and colonialism for around 800 years. Despite numerous torturous experiences, it survived and accommodated alien people. Many great cultures of the world like Greek, Roman, etc, disappeared but Indian Sanatan culture blossomed even in the days of hardships.
India, after a long national freedom struggle, achieved its political freedom on 15 August 1947. It adopted the principles of world mindedness, mutual cooperation, interdependence, and peaceful co-existence. But China, under the ideology of communism, has been continuously attempting to grab Indian territory. It has swallowed Tibet and destroyed Tibetans and their culture. Exiled Tibetans in India and other parts of the world are surviving under the spiritual leadership of the Dalai Lama. It is a shame for world humanity that till date, no justice has been done to Tibet and its people. China is also treating Hong Kong and Taiwan as its colonies and exploiting them.
Whenever Chinese Presidents visited India, they assured brotherly relations with the slogan “Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai” (Indians and Chinese are brothers). But within no hours, they betrayed. Despite heavy losses and impermeable injuries, India has always shown brotherhood and friendliness. China, especially during the last two decades, has illegally put its naval and air bases in the South China Sea, along the borders of India, Nepal, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and also in Pakistan. The most suitable tool to harm India is Pakistan. China is playing foul by instigating and supporting Pakistan against India for war and terrorism. It has been cunning enough to maintain two facets with India — one by instigating Pakistan and today Nepal to destabilise India, and the other by exploiting Indian economy through trade and commerce.
This time, however, China has also given the world a pandemic in coronavirus. Lakhs of people have already lost their lives, with the economy worldwide never been in such a bad shape. So much so that the future of the human race has become uncertain. When all the countries of the world are trying to save the lives of their people and trying to maintain their economic conditions, China has adopted an aggressive posture vis-à-vis all its neighbours — India, Vietnam, Taiwan and even Japan.
In Ladakh, by killing 20 Indian bravehearts, China has shown its true, barbaric face. It has posted armed forces in large numbers with modern weapons, tanks, missiles, bombers, etc. Not only this, it has also provoked Nepal to fight with India.
The Government of India and the people are ready to reply in the most befitting manner to China and Pakistan, but we must handle Nepal differently. India and Nepal are politically two nations but culturally one subcontinent. The people of Nepal are not in favour of any tense relationship with India. India has extended assistance to Nepal to upkeep its temples by sanctioning Rs 2.33 crore.
Despite all adversities, the India of 2020 is not the India of 1962. Its government and people are instilled with a high spirit of patriotism. India has shown its magnanimity by supplying lifesaving medicines to neighbouring and developed countries of the world and proved its faith in the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”. Moreover, the Indian military is equipped with the latest weapons. China will be compelled to admit its fault.
The author is a journalist and an expert in international relations and strategic affairs.