India Foreign Policy Controversy: Ceasefire, China & TikTok

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Introduction: A Complex Diplomatic Crossroads with India Foreign Policy Controversy

The Indian political and foreign policy landscape has always been dynamic and multifaceted. In the last few years, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre has carved out a distinct identity for itself by emphasising on nationalism and a tough foreign policy. It has adopted an iron fist approach in relations with neighbours like Pakistan and China. In such a situation, when the opposition party Congress alleges that the central government is quietly observing a ceasefire with Pakistan and cosying up to China, it creates a big political storm. Also, the controversy deepened when some media reports claimed that the website of TikTok, an app banned in 2020, was unblocked. Congress called it evidence of the government’s soft attitude towards China.

This whole matter highlights a complex interrelationship between the government’s foreign policy, its commitment to national security and domestic politics. This article will present a detailed analysis of this entire incident from every aspect

Ceasefire with Pakistan Facts Reasons and Controversies

The ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan is not a new thing. It starts with the Karachi Agreement of 1949. Although there is no detailed response to the allegations, its possible reasoning and strategic thinking can be something like this. Also, the ceasefire was a strategic need, the government can say that the ceasefire brought peace on the LOC, which allowed military resources to be focused on the more serious threat front like LAC. This was a military and strategic decision and not soft towards Pakistan. The TikTok ban remains. The government has been continuously saying that the ban on apps continues and the reports of website access are technical issues. And engagement with China is necessary.

Future effects – domestic politics and international image

Domestic politics Before the 2024 general elections, this debate between Congress and BJP regarding the definition of nationalism and security will intensify. BJP will present itself as a strong leader but Congress will highlight its inconsistency. Also, the international image, which is that the global community can see this balanced approach of India positively. Because it has always wanted stability in South Asia. But not being able to manage tensions with China could be risky for its image. Along with that, military deployment, if the ceasefire continues, then Indian army can further strengthen its preparedness on the LAC. And economic policy, to reduce dependency on China, schemes like Atmanirbhar Bharat and PLI Production-Linked Incentive will get further impetus.
National Interest Both sides talk of national interest in their own way

The question is what is national interest? Is it to show aggression under all circumstances?. Especially through incidents of firing and infiltration on the Line of Control (LoC). Also 2021 announcement In February 2021, military spokespersons of India and Pakistan issued a joint statement announcing that they had agreed to stop all hostile activities on the LoC This agreement was said to be the result of talks between military officials at the local level. This announcement came as a big surprise as diplomatic relations between the two countries were almost at a standstill till that time. Also relief to local population Civilian population on both sides of LoC was facing constant firing. Ceasefire brought stability in their lives.

Congress attacks double policy and compromise on national security

Congress party which itself has held peace talks with Pakistan in the past. Used this opportunity to strongly attack the government. Their main allegations are as follows. Also hypocrisy in policy Congress says that BJP has been constantly accusing them of adopting a ‘soft’ attitude towards Pakistan. But itself is silently following the ceasefire. They called it double character. Also playing with national security which the opposition alleges that the ceasefire has given Pakistan an opportunity to keep its border calm to send infiltrators and terrorists, while the vigilance of Indian security forces would have decreased. And fear of China which Congress leaders like Rahul Gandhi allege that the government is kneeling before China. They argue that Chinese soldiers have occupied Indian land on LAC. But the government is shying away from talking openly on this issue. While it makes strong rhetoric against Pakistan.

What happened to the unblocking of the TikTok website?

This is a technically complex matter. Which is often simplified in political language. Also, the background is the 2020 ban and after the violent clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, the Indian government banned 59 Chinese mobile apps, including TikTok, on the grounds of national security and data privacy. Later more apps were banned. This ban was imposed under section 69A of the Information Technology Act 2000, as well as the news of unblocking in 2023, some users found that they could access TikTok’s website tiktok.com.

This led to rumors that the government had lifted the ban. But the reality is more technical. But app vs website The government’s original ban was mainly on apps (applications). Which were removed from Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Banning websites is a different process. And DNS blocks which Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in India block the DNS (Domain Name System) of specific websites on the orders of the government.

Cozying up with China – Trade vs Security Dilemma India Foreign Policy Controversy

To understand the Congress’s allegation of cozying up, it is important to look at the complexity of India-China relations. Also the tension on the LAC which has remained tense since the Galwan incident in eastern Ladakh. Despite several rounds of military and diplomatic talks between the two countries, complete decoupling has not happened. Also the strategic rivalry – China’s String of Pearls theory and India’s Act East policy are directly opposed to each other. Also the trade imbalance which is the volume of trade between India and China is very large, but it is very imbalanced in favor of India.

India imports a lot from China. And exports very little. Impact on industries so that many Indian industries such as pharmaceutical and electronics are dependent on Chinese raw materials. Complete decoupling and separation can be harmful for the Indian economy. Government’s strategy The government is adopting a policy of selective engagement. That is, while it will be adamant on the issue of security, it will not put a full stop in view of economic needs.

Government’s stand and strategic approach India Foreign Policy Controversy

So even though the government has officially said no to these Although there is no detailed response to the allegations, its possible reasoning and strategic thinking can be something like this. Also, the ceasefire was a strategic need, the government can say that the ceasefire brought peace on the LOC, which allowed military resources to be focused on the more serious threat front like LAC. This was a military and strategic decision and not soft towards Pakistan. The TikTok ban remains. The government has been continuously saying that the ban on apps continues and the reports of website access are technical issues. And engagement with China is necessary.

The government must believe that completely stopping dialogue with a nuclear-armed neighbor is not in the national interest. Maintaining pressure through trade and diplomacy is a better strategy. Also, the multi-dimensional approach of India’s foreign policy is now to work on different issues with America, Russia, Europe and middle powers like Australia, Japan (QUAD) instead of getting tied to any one alliance. In this larger strategy, it is necessary to manage tensions with Pakistan and China.

Media and public reaction of India Foreign Policy Controversy

This matter sparked a heated debate in the media and on social media. Also, the view of the government supporters, who believe that the government is taking confidential and practical decisions in the national interest. And for them, the attack of Congress is just political opportunism and it wants to spoil the country’s image on the international stage. Also, the view of opposition supporters and critics, they are calling it a failure and U-turn of the government.

They say that the government misleads the public on emotional issues. While it avoids real security challenges. Also, the view of unbiased analysts, most strategic affairs experts, believe that the ceasefire was a positive step but the government should have discussed it in Parliament. In the case of China, they believe that India is in a very difficult situation – on one hand there is a security threat and on the other hand economic dependency.