The ministry of external affairs, on Friday, refuted China’s claims that the joint commemorative stamp—to celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations—was cancelled due to a lack of feedback from India. There had been no discussion on the launch date of the stamp, the MEA said.
The cancelling of the stamp, that happened recently, is the latest controversy to hit the fragile relations between the two countries. “Joint release of commemorative stamps to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and China was one of the activities agreed with the Chinese side last year,’’ said spokesperson for MEA Anurag Srivastava at the virtual weekly press briefing. “We have also seen the Chinese embassy’s tweet suggesting that this event was cancelled by the Chinese side on account of no feedback given by the Indian side before the launch time agreed by both. This is factually incorrect. It may also be noted that the launch of the 70th anniversary celebrations itself has not taken place yet, and therefore, the issue of going ahead with joint activities under its ambit does not arise.’’
On Wednesday, China had chosen to cancel the joint stamp, pinning the blame on India. “Regarding cancellation of joint issue of commemorative stamp to mark 70th [anniversary of diplomatic ties between] #China & #India, the reason is Indian side had not given feedback before launch time agreed by both sides,” Chinese embassy spokesperson Ji Rong said in a tweet.
“China State Post Bureau made the notice according to customary practices,” she said, without giving further details.
The 70th anniversary anniversary—which was intended to be a celebration—has now become another area of tension between the two countries in the backdrop of the continuing hostility on the LAC. Despite several rounds of diplomatic talks, there has been little breakthrough. “We have taken note of the Chinese side’s statement that it observes ‘strictly the agreements between the two sides and is committed to resolving the border issue through dialogue and safeguarding peace and tranquility’ in the border areas. We expect that the Chinese side will match its words with actions.’’
The MEA has maintained strongly that China has “sought to effect a unilateral change in status along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh.’’ “These actions are in violation of the bilateral agreements and protocol on ensuring peace and tranquility along the LAC in the India-China border areas,’’ the MEA spokesperson said.
Nonetheless, the diplomacy will continue. “The two sides have continued to maintain communication through diplomatic and military channels,’’ said Srivastava. “It is our expectation that the further discussions will help both sides to achieve an agreement on a mutually acceptable solution for ensuring complete disengagement in all friction points along the LAC in the Western sector and full restoration of peace and tranquility as early as possible.’’
Meanwhile, India has chosen to downplay Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks on the Quad. Lavrov, on Wednesday, described India as an “object” of the West’s “persistent, aggressive, and devious” policy against China in the Indo-Pacific. He accused the West of seeking to “undermine” Russia’s close partnership and privileged relationship with India.
“This is the goal of the US’s very tough pressure on New Delhi in the MTC (Military Technical Cooperation) area,” he has been quoted as saying at the general meeting of the Russian International Affairs Council on Tuesday. The remarks were released on Wednesday.
“India enjoys long-standing relations with Russia characterised by a special and privileged strategic partnership,’’ said Srivastava. “Our relations with Russia stand on their own merits, including in the sphere of Military Technical Cooperation. As unequivocally outlined by Prime Minister at the Shangri-La dialogue, India does not see the Indo-Pacific region as a strategy or as a club of limited members or as a grouping that seeks to dominate. It is not directed against any country. It stands for a free, open and inclusive region. India has always pursued an independent foreign policy based on its national interest. India’s relationship with each country is independent of its relations with third countries,” he added.
