Nathu La, China and India Mending Fences By Sawraj Singh, MD FICS

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India will import 15 goods from China, including goat and sheepskins, yak tails, and raw silk. India will export to China 29 goods, including tea, rice, and spices. The pass will open four days, Monday to Thursday, for trade. There was a big celebration at the opening ceremony. There were Chinese and Indian flags and hundreds of traders from both countries gathered there while the military bands of both countries were playing. The Chinese ambassador to India and officials from Sikkim and Tibet attended the opening ceremonies. The Chinese ambassador to India, Sun Yuxi, said, "We hope the reopening of the silk route will improve relations between the two countries". He also said, "Today the border was open to trade and we hope very soon it will be open for tourists. We are excited and feeling good".

Some people feel that at this stage, the opening of the pass will have more of a political than an economic impact. This will send a very positive message for improving relations between the two countries. There is a growing impression all over the world that India is moving away from its traditional policy of nonalignment and is leaning towards the west. This also leads to an impression that India is joining an anti-Chinese and anti-Islamic alliance. This impression can prove to be extremely dangerous for India because of its geographical location.

India is facing a double threat to its stability unlike any other country in the world. There is a threat from Islamic fanaticism, but also there is a threat from growing Maoist influence. If both these forces find a common issue, then it can become very difficult for India to maintain internal stability. Signing of the nuclear treaty between India and the US can send a strong signal to the world that India has completely abandoned its traditional nonalignment and has joined the western camp. It has become extremely urgent for India to correct this impression by improving relations with China. India can reestablish its nonalignment credentials. Not only will it help India to regain its international prestige, but also will tremendously help internal stability.

India has to also take another factor into consideration. This is the fact that India's most time-trusted friend, Russia, is now an ally of China. Gone are the days of Gorbachov and Yeltsin when Russia was leaning towards the west. Putin's Russia is firmly in the Chinese camp. India should have no illusions about this. Just look at what is happening in the Security Council of the United Nations. On the issues of Iran and North Korea, Russia and China are taking similar stands.

The policy of nonalignment is the most suitable policy for a diverse country like India. India should try very hard to stick to this policy, one that is a very well thought of policy and has worked well for India during the last 50 years. Improving relations with China should be India's top priority because questions have been raised about India's nonaligned status. The opening of Nathu La provides an important opportunity for India to correct this wrong impression.