22 August 2017

News Report: India Expects China to Break Deadlock on Doklam

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to discuss the crisis with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit to be held in September in Xiamen, China.

New Delhi (Sputnik) — Weeks before BRICS summit in Xiamen, India has termed Doklam stand-off as a ‘deadlock' but at the same time has expressed confidence that it would be resolved soon.

"There will be a solution very soon and I am sure China will make a positive move," Rajnath Singh, India's Minister of Home Affairs said on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao has reported that Western Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has held a military drill to "strike awe in India". 

Tibet, Xinjiang, Ningxia, Qinghai, Sichuan, and Chongqing come under the newly formed Western Theater Command. Indian government has not commented on the report but has already made it clear that India is prepared for any eventuality.

"Our security forces are capable of safeguarding our borders," Rajnath Singh asserted once again on Monday but added "We don't want confrontation; we want peace."

The ongoing stand-off between India and China began in June this year when Indian troops asserted their presence in Doklam — an area claimed by both China and Bhutan. India said China's plan to construct a road in the disputed territory was not only an attempt to bully Bhutan but also a threat to India's security as Doklam borders the north eastern state of Sikkim.

This story first appeared on Sputnik & is reposted here with permission.