Ashok K. Kantha is a former Ambassador of India to China and Director, Institute of Chinese Studies and Distinguished Fellow, Vivekananda International Foundation
A very unfortunate incident and development. Standard operating procedures on the ground have kept an almost entirely undefined 2,200 mile LAC tranquil for decades. These have been buttressed by painstaking, incremental diplomacy that has sought to normalise a relationship where there is a great deal of mistrust. Those achievements are coming unstuck in a matter of weeks. Armed conflict, no matter how limited and localised, would set relations back severely. Both sides need to use the time that remains to defuse the situation at Doklam.
A very unfortunate incident and development. Standard operating procedures on the ground have kept an almost entirely undefined 2,200 mile LAC tranquil for decades. These have been buttressed by painstaking, incremental diplomacy that has sought to normalise a relationship where there is a great deal of mistrust. Those achievements are coming unstuck in a matter of weeks. Armed conflict, no matter how limited and localised, would set relations back severely. Both sides need to use the time that remains to defuse the situation at Doklam.