Does every disputed land become yours by default: Doval's sharp response to China

While China through its media went on a rhetoric, India chose to remain silent.

Does every disputed territory become China's? This was the retort by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval when he discussed the Doklam standoff with China's state councillor Yang Jeichi.

While China through its media went on a rhetoric, India chose to remain silent. However during the back-channel talks, India took a tough stance when it was necessary.

Highly placed sources in Delhi tell OneIndia that a tough stance was taken when necessary. The first round of talks since the standoff which began in June took place when Doval was in China for the BRICS NSA summit.

Jeichi did not begin the talks on a reconciliatory note. He asked Doval if Doklam belonged to India. Is it your territory he asked. Doval according to sources shot back, 'does every disputed territory belong to China by default?"

Doval also told the Chinese that it would be better that both troops pulled out of Doklam since China's claim over the area was not settled. He also asserted Doklam belonged to Bhutan and owing to a treaty, India is bound to protect that country. He also told China that they had promised to hand over Doklam to Bhutan in exchange for the 500 sq kilometre in the north.

After these initial round of negotiations, the foreign secretary of India, S Jaishankar held several rounds of talks. It was emphasised that the only solution is a pull out and dragging the issue any further only would be counter-productive.

All negotiations were run by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi who insisted that he wanted a solution at any cost. Modi was not in favour of a conflict, but also emphasised that there was no need to be meek. He insisted that the status quo will not be changed at any cost.

The resolution would be a relief for both countries. Modi's visit to China to attend the BRICS summit was confirmed by the External Affairs Ministry on Tuesday.

OneIndia News