PM Modi’s visit to troops in Ladakh and his address to them is a strong, unambiguous message to China. A morale-booster for the military, his warning against China’s expansionism is a befitting counter to critics who accused him of silence on Galwan. Message sent, diplomacy should take the baton forward.
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Yes, Modi has sent a strong message to China. His statement that the days of “vistaarwaad” or expansionism were over was the last sentence of his speech, and then the bharat Mata ki Jai shouts broke out. A good crescendo.
The message was delivered effectively, but I hope there is some base to this message – – like a clear assurance from America about active help if a war breaks out. If that is not the case, then Modi’s speech will prove to be dangerous bravado that has pushed us deeper into the grip of trouble.
My personal assessment is inclining towards the possibility of fake bravado. Modi got fed up to hear taunts that he wasn’t reacting strongly enough etc. If the truth is along the lines of an American assurance, then we are definitely on the brink of the IIIrd WORLD WAR which will end only like the IInd, with the usage of nuclear weapons.
If Trump has acted irresponsibly and given such an assurance to good friend Modi, then rest assured he will chicken out when the chips are down. In such an eventuality, India should be prepared to lose both the Arunachal Pradesh and a good portion of Kashmir.