India Skeptical Over Chinese Intentions

The last few weeks must be regarded in the Indo-Chinese relation of historical significance. It is not for China raising the political atmosphere of Arunachal Pradesh one again but for its dealing in an inharmonious note on several aspects with India. It is to be noted that the recent change in the attitude of China has raised eyebrows of the political gurus in the corridors of New Delhi. However, it is also been learnt that on the decisive issue of trans-border rivers India is highly concerned over repeated reports regarding diversion of waters from rivers which flow into India from China's Qinghai plateau. In spite of the plea of the Indian government for the first meeting of a joint working group any prolific response form the other side is yet to come.

Our sources informed that the Government of China had denied reports over its consideration of projects diverting the water from the Brahmaputra River to the north-west of the country. Though brushed aside by the Chinese counterpart, the reports have been coming on incessantly mounting tension of the Indian Government. In the meantime while returning from the G-8 summit in Germany recently, the honorable Prime Minister of India had confirmed of his discussion to the President of China Hu Jintao for the scheduling of the first meeting. In this regard, India received an unexpected friend, Bangladesh this time equally concerned of Chinese intensions and apprehending that she would be also be greatly affected if China were to actually go ahead with its plans.

India was concerned enough about the reports to insist that a joint group be set up on the issue, which was worked into the joint statement issued after the visit of the Chinese president in 2006. But the first meeting on the issue is yet to be held, according to confidential sources.