Talks to resolve Doklam issue with China, says Sushma

new delhi — Noting that the Chinese action in Doklam is of concern, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday that India will continue to engage with China diplomatically to resolve the border standoff and that war is not a solution.

“Our stand is that we maintain restraint in language and keep patience and engage in diplomacy. No solution will be gained out of war because even after war, talks are required. A solution cannot be derived out of war.

“Times are changing and it is economic power and not strategic power that decides strength of a nation... If there is a dialogue there will be a solution,” she said in a combative speech in the Rajya Sabha, dismissing opposition criticism during a foreign policy debate on the government’s handling of diplomatic relations, specially with neighbours.

India, she said, always believes

No solution will be gained out of war because even after war, talks are required. A solution cannot be derived out of war. Sushma Swaraj, External Affairs Minister

that peace and tranquility in the India-China border areas is an important prerequisite for smooth development of our bilateral relations.

“We will continue to engage with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels to find a mutually acceptable solution on the basis of the Astana consensus between our leaders. I note the sense of the House is supportive,” the minister said, recalling that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed during their recent meeting in the Kazakhstan capital that differences should not be allowed to be converted into disputes.

In this regard, she said, in keeping with the unique and traditional friendship with Bhutan “we will also continue to maintain close consultation and coordination with the Royal Government of Bhutan”.

She said that Chinese investment in India has touched $160 billion, and “we are talking of bilateral relations with China and not only Doklam”. She said that in India’s growing economic capabilities, “there is a big investment from China”.

Reading out from a prepared text, the minister said, “Our relations with China have recently come under renewed focus due to developments in the Doklam area in the Sikkim sector close to the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction boundary.”