India’s ambivalent attitude towards Tibet stems from the Sino-Indian Treaty of 1954 where our former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru recognized Tibet as a part of China, but later gave asylum to Tibetans due to Chinese threats, in respect to border dispute. Now the dilemma is whether India had given political asylum to Tibetans? India’s commitment to Tibetans over the years has been based on spiritual and humanitarian grounds, or at least we have been made to believe so. As far as it’s political and foreign affairs policy is concerned, it had always been soft with China realizing its potential economic sovereignty and apparently toying with Tibet, which can be very clearly seen from the Indian response to the on going Tibetan struggle amidst Olympics in China.

On India’s part, it reveals how vulnerable and misjudged the country’s foreign policy is, though it continues to maintain balance between Tibet and China. The government should take up a stand regarding Tibet. If India recognizes the political struggle of Tibetans, it should offer support to them officially, but if it is just a humanitarian concern, India should declare it to Tibet and make its stand clear to China – it is doing neither.

India’s ambiguous position would make both Tibet and China regard it with suspicion. India cannot remain neutral for long.

Source: Today’s Zaman

Image: Friends of Tibet