CUTS Washington Monthly Brief
#33, December 2020
Indo-Tibetan Border, Not Indo-Chinese
 
Pressure is mounting on India to raise the cause of Tibet on international platforms, as the United States has set a new direction by passing the Tibetan Policy and Support Act (TPSA) in December, 2020. In the same light, India should inter alia go ahead and redefine the Sino-Indian border as the Indo-Tibetan border and de jure recognise Tibet as an illegally occupied friendly neighbour.

In order to support Tibet, India has been hosting the Tibetan government in exile, since China over ran the table top geography in 1950s. Albeit, India’s stand on Tibet and its proximity to the Central Tibetan Administration and Dalai Lama was in accordance with New Delhi-Beijing relations, beginning from 1954 when India signed a trade agreement with China. This stand was maintained through various joint statements till 2010 in order to promote peace.

The United States has set an international momentum by passing the TPSA and inviting the President of the Tibetan Government in exile, Lobsang Sangay to the US. India should reinforce the movement by raising the cause of Tibet in various international platforms and by attracting the attention of the international community. If it was the 1954 India-China agreement and the U.S. support in the 1970s which gave recognition to One China policy and bolstered China’s power and legitimacy over Tibet, both countries should now jointly work together with their democratic allies against the Chinese expansionist desires.

The Chinese destruction of the Tibetan culture and religion has to be countered by Indian diplomacy. India has to seek a larger role for the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration in the international arena. It should confidently take the issue of Tibetan freedom, not autonomy, in the forefront of its fight against Chinese imperialism, rather than appeasing a constantly bullying neighbour. India should learn from history that China will continue with its fake claims, ‘grab and deny’ attitude and ‘Wolf-warrior diplomacy’. One should remember that a bully will remain powerful only until it’s challenged by others. After all, it was the young David who defeated the giant Goliath, despite his disadvantages on strength, weight, weapons, armoury, etc.
                                        
Pradeep S. Mehta
Editor

PS: Will the joint efforts of multilateral institutions and countries like India and the U.S. be able to vaccinate the entire world in 2021? Wishing a Happy and Prosperous New Year to all our readers and a Sad New Year to the Wuhan Virus.

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