India trying best to diffuse Doklam impasse via back-channel talks

All is not quiet on the Indo-China diplomatic front. Contrary to perception, India has opened back channel talks with China to resolve fast growing differences between the two countries on the Doklam tri-junction of India-Bhutan and China border.

Jayant Prasad, former Indian diplomat and presently Director General of the Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA), is said to have made two trips to Beijing recently to speak to Chinese officials on the matter, highly placed diplomatic sources informed National Herald.

All attempts to contact Prasad failed as no one picked up the phone at the New Delhi-based IDSA office.

Prasad is a career diplomat who has held many important diplomatic positions, including that of the Indian Ambassador to Nepal where he is said to have developed close relations with Chinese strategic experts.

Prasad comes from a highly respected family of academics and diplomats. His father Professor Bimal Prasad taught at the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University’s School of International Studies and was later appointed Ambassador to Nepal by the Vajpayee government.

Jayant Prasad is reported to have deep discussions with Chinese interlucators and brought back messages from the Chinese capital that are being taken seriously by the Indian Foreign Office, sources informed.

The situation at the border remains tense and India is keeping its nerves calm despite Chinese provocation. Quietly, however, the government is active on all fronts. The defence establishment is engaged in meeting any eventuality if it arises.

The Foreign Office is said to be active to diffuse the growing tension diplomatically. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar is reported to be in touch with the members of P5 group through Indian ambassadors posted in those countries.

Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is also expected to visit Beijing later this month to attend the BRICS NSAs’ scheduled meeting. Doval is expected to take up the India-China border issue with his counterpart during his China tour.

India is firm on its stand and considers recent Chinese moves along the Bhutan tri-junction as provocative. Foreign Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday informed Rajya Sabha that India would not withdraw its forces under Chinese pressure.