In this edition of The Generals Speak, Lt Gen Satish Dua, Aadi Achint and I discuss about various issues which will dominate the India China equation in the next five years. The idea was to identify the markers of the equation rather than trying to prescribe as to what should be done. We believed that if the problems are identified in the correct perspective, solutions will be the natural outcome.
‘Sir, will China invade us?’ ‘We hear China has increased activities on the border’. Chinese consolidation activities on the LAC have prompted such reactions and fears. Lot of such inquiries from citizens within and outside India. Why? Bodies floating down Ganga, mass graves, lack of oxygen, medicines or hospital beds, botched vaccination program, uninterrupted work on Central Vista - all these have eroded our political capital immensely and seeded such doubts. Our national institutions are being compared to ‘rottweilers’ in the media. Economy? Unemployment figures and stock markets – both rattling up. Strangest combination. Rich getting richer and poor getting poorer. An ominous divergence which bodes ill. Leadership? Kis Chidiya ka naam hai bhai? National level paralysis in responding to the second wave. Erosion in comprehensive national power. Many have never experienced India being so weak. Nor did I for that matter. This frightening experience ...
Very nice session, provoking thoughts on numerous issues. My compliments
ReplyDelete