China, the ‘nut’ which has always been too hard to crack, finally showed an intention on Monday that they are willing to de-escalate tension created by the Galwan Valley standoff and has started moving its men and machinery away from the troubled zone. Whether this intention is genuine is a matter of speculation and can be tallied only through its future behaviour. But, for sure, the dual dose of the policy of boycotting China economically and shoring up global support against the neighbour’s ‘expansionist’ outlook has started giving effects. At the same time, extreme caution has to be exercised by India, particularly regarding its military alertness and a temporary Chinese retreat must not be construed that the ever-hostile neighbour has transformed itself into a ‘good boy’ overnight.

It’s a matter of record that the level of mistrust now is at an all-time high and the issue has created waves not only in the subcontinent, but also across the world, with superpowers expressing concern over the development. That the first round of talks involving the Corps Commander are more or less positive is visible since the armies of both the countries have physically started clearing the accumulated paraphernalia meant for a near-war, if not a full-scale one. Presumably, it will be a long process involving months which will be keenly watched, particularly to know if it is an authentic measure by China, or just another strategy to divert attention, only to make 'unholy preparations' for unleashing rampage over other border frontiers. This is a very critical juncture to say the least, as China has proved time and again its alacrity in breaking bilateral protocols, both diplomatic and military.   

But, as of now, India’s gains have been the support it has garnered from some of the most active players of world geopolitics, many of whom are also powerful members of the United Nations Security Council, the vital arbitrating platform in the global context of critical territorial disputes. Russia’s role has been most encouraging since it has agreed to expedite supplying of a ‘chosen set of weapons’, a deal which was finalised during the recent visit of the Indian Defence Minister to Moscow. There are also reports that the old ally, cementing the friendship which dates back to the Nehruvian days, has turned down China’s appeal to backtrack from the arms-supply deal. It is almost sure also that Japan and Australia will follow suit and it will almost be a cake-walk for India to ramp up further global support and turn China, bereft of friends.

The dual policies of raising economic firewalls for China and isolating it through diplomatic finesse are bearing fruits. Time is opportune to take it further ahead.