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Time of India
27-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
'Don't foresee them getting directly involved': Ex-army commander on China's possible role amid India-Pakistan tension after Pahalgam attack
Security personnel rushed to the spot after terrorists attacked a group of tourists at Pahalgam (PTI photo) NEW DELHI: China is expected to avoid direct intervention in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, given the current geopolitical dynamics and tariff complexities, despite its longstanding alliance with Pakistan, according to former Army commander Lt Gen (retd) Rana Pratap Kalita. "Following the Galwan 2020 incident, after extensive consultations between the two countries, the standoff at the last friction points was resolved," Lt Gen Kalita told PTI. "Since then, bilateral relations have improved, with discussions on direct flights and the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra ." Despite this progress, both India and China are grappling with rising US trade tariffs, which are impacting the global economy. As major manufacturing and consumer markets, both nations are particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in tariffs. "Considering the complexities of geopolitics and the current situation, it's difficult to predict whether China will directly intervene in the instability caused by the Pahalgam incident. But for now, I don't foresee them getting directly involved," Kalita stated. He also acknowledged China's strategic interests in the region, highlighting the vulnerability of Pakistan's sea link and the importance of access to the Arabian Sea through Pakistan for China. On the Bangladesh border, Kalita pointed to continuing vulnerabilities, particularly after the recent political changes in the country. "With the deposition of the Sheikh Hasina government, there has been a rise in anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh, driven by religious fundamentalists," he said. The release of leaders from the terrorist group Ansarul Bangla and other such factions, following the establishment of the caretaker government, has contributed to growing anti-India sentiment in the region. Kalita also noted the influence of senior Pakistani military officials, including the DG of the ISI, who recently met with key figures in Bangladesh, further complicating the security situation. The infiltration of Bangladeshi nationals, aimed at spreading Islamic fundamentalism in India's northeast, remains a significant concern, particularly in Assam and Tripura. The strategic importance of the Siliguri corridor, crucial for northeast connectivity, was also highlighted as a vulnerable point. Additionally, the potential reestablishment of terrorist camps in Bangladesh, previously used by groups like ULFA, presents a continuing security challenge. Despite these concerns, Kalita expressed confidence in India's preparedness. "Periodic threat assessments are carried out regularly, and response mechanisms are in place accordingly. I am confident in the Indian armed forces' readiness to address any situation," he said. The recent tense situation between India-Pakistan comes after the deadly Pahalgam attack in which terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow on April 22, resulting in 26 fatalities, including one Nepali national, while many others sustained injuries. Following this incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a statement to track down the perpetrators "to the ends of the earth," which led to intensified security operations involving demolitions and encounters. Following the attack, the government implemented several measures, including the suspension of the 1960 Indus Water Treaty , reduction in diplomatic relations with Pakistan, and closure of the Attari checkpost. Hostilities further intensified along the Line of Control (LoC) as Pakistan Army outposts commenced unprovoked small arms firing during the night of April 26-27. The Indian Army delivered an appropriate retaliatory response.
Economic Times
27-04-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Pahalgam: Former army commander explains why China won't get involved in ongoing India-Pakistan faceoff
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads China is unlikely to get involved in the ongoing faceoff between India and Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, news agency PTI said on April 27 qouting a former Indian army commander. China's actions at this juncture will be majorly influenced by the existing geopolitical dynamics and tariff-related intricacies, Lt Gen (retd) Rana Pratap Kalita told the news agency in an former armyman, however, said that China's alliance with Pakistan is well established. 'After the Galwan incident in 2020, extensive discussions and consultations between the two nations led to the resolution of the stand-off at the remaining friction points,' Kalita noted that a 'process of normalization' has been initiated after addressing the last areas of discord, and that bilateral mechanisms have gained momentum, which includes discussions aimed at launching direct flights and resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. He also highlighted the impact of increased trade tariffs imposed by the US on both India and China, pointing out that this situation affects the global economy as that both nations are significant players in manufacturing and consumption, changes in tariffs will have pronounced effects, he explained.'Considering these complexities alongside the geopolitical developments, it is challenging to forecast whether there will be any direct involvement from China regarding the instability sparked by the Pahalgam incident. However, at this point, I do not foresee their direct engagement,' the former army commander remarked. He also underscored the known vulnerabilities of the sea link with Pakistan, emphasizing the significance of access to the Arabian Sea for the security situation along the Bangladesh border, Kalita expressed concerns, particularly following the recent change in government in Bangladesh. 'The sentiment against India has intensified since the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina government, as this has been exacerbated by religious extremists,' he remarked. He pointed out that the release of leaders associated with terrorist groups like Ansarul Bangla after the new caretaker government took office has further contributed to rising anti-India former army commander also noted that visits by senior Pakistani military officials, including the Director General of the ISI, to Bangladesh have heightened vulnerabilities in the region. He expressed concerns about migration from Bangladesh and the infiltration aimed at promoting Islamic fundamentalism in India's northeastern states, particularly in Assam and Tripura, which are demographically identified the narrow Siliguri corridor as another vulnerable point for India, as it is crucial for maintaining strategic connectivity with the northeast. Additionally, he raised alarms about the potential revival of terrorist camps in Bangladesh where groups like ULFA once operated. Nonetheless, he reassured that the Indian armed forces are equipped to handle any situation that may arise.'Regular threat perception assessments are conducted, and response strategies are prepared accordingly. I am confident that our forces in the Eastern sector are ready to address any challenges,' he said.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Pahalgam: Former army commander explains why China won't get involved in ongoing India-Pakistan faceoff
China is unlikely to get involved in the ongoing faceoff between India and Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, news agency PTI said on April 27 qouting a former Indian army commander. China's actions at this juncture will be majorly influenced by the existing geopolitical dynamics and tariff-related intricacies, Lt Gen (retd) Rana Pratap Kalita told the news agency in an interview. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack India stares at a 'water bomb' threat as it freezes Indus Treaty India readies short, mid & long-term Indus River plans Shehbaz Sharif calls India's stand "worn-out narrative" The former armyman, however, said that China's alliance with Pakistan is well established. 'After the Galwan incident in 2020, extensive discussions and consultations between the two nations led to the resolution of the stand-off at the remaining friction points,' Kalita said. Kalita noted that a 'process of normalization' has been initiated after addressing the last areas of discord, and that bilateral mechanisms have gained momentum, which includes discussions aimed at launching direct flights and resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. He also highlighted the impact of increased trade tariffs imposed by the US on both India and China, pointing out that this situation affects the global economy as well. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Co-Founder of Google Brain, Andrew Ng, Is Reported To Have Read Every... Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Given that both nations are significant players in manufacturing and consumption, changes in tariffs will have pronounced effects, he explained. 'Considering these complexities alongside the geopolitical developments, it is challenging to forecast whether there will be any direct involvement from China regarding the instability sparked by the Pahalgam incident. However, at this point, I do not foresee their direct engagement,' the former army commander remarked. He also underscored the known vulnerabilities of the sea link with Pakistan, emphasizing the significance of access to the Arabian Sea for China. Live Events Regarding the security situation along the Bangladesh border, Kalita expressed concerns, particularly following the recent change in government in Bangladesh. 'The sentiment against India has intensified since the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina government, as this has been exacerbated by religious extremists,' he remarked. He pointed out that the release of leaders associated with terrorist groups like Ansarul Bangla after the new caretaker government took office has further contributed to rising anti-India sentiments. The former army commander also noted that visits by senior Pakistani military officials, including the Director General of the ISI, to Bangladesh have heightened vulnerabilities in the region. He expressed concerns about migration from Bangladesh and the infiltration aimed at promoting Islamic fundamentalism in India's northeastern states, particularly in Assam and Tripura, which are demographically sensitive. Kalita identified the narrow Siliguri corridor as another vulnerable point for India, as it is crucial for maintaining strategic connectivity with the northeast. Additionally, he raised alarms about the potential revival of terrorist camps in Bangladesh where groups like ULFA once operated. Nonetheless, he reassured that the Indian armed forces are equipped to handle any situation that may arise. 'Regular threat perception assessments are conducted, and response strategies are prepared accordingly. I am confident that our forces in the Eastern sector are ready to address any challenges,' he said.
