SAMAJ WEEKLY UK
Bal Ram Sampla
Geopolitics
India and China share a complex relationship marked by deep trade ties and intense strategic competition. In recent years, especially after the 2020 border clashes in Ladakh, India has adopted a tougher stance against Chinese aggression.
This has taken the form of a “double whammy” approach: strong military action against terrorist groups and firm criticism of China’s indirect support for terrorism at international forums like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Military Action Across Borders
One part of India’s strategy is taking action against militant groups. It has to pointed out that India has denied any involvement in Myanmar. A recent drone and missile strikes reportedly conducted against ULFA(I) terrorist camps. ULFA(I) blames India but has produced no evidence.
ULFA(I), a banned insurgent group active in India’s northeast, has long been suspected of receiving arms, funding, and shelter from Chinese sources, particularly China’s intelligence agencies and local allies in Myanmar.
The scale and precision of the operation have been a set back for the terrorists. These strikes send a message to China. That it will not tolerate the use of armed proxies to destabilize its borders, and it is capable of responding with force when necessary.
Diplomatic Pushback at the SCO
Alongside military action, India has taken a strong stand at the diplomatic level. At the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called for the group to adopt an uncompromising stance against terrorism. While he didn’t directly name any country, his words were clearly aimed at both Pakistan and China. China has often shielded Pakistan-based terrorists from international sanctions.
By raising the issue at the SCO, a group meant to promote regional security, India challenged other members to stick to the group’s original purpose of fighting terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Jaishankar’s remarks also criticized China’s Belt and Road Initiative for violating sovereignty, referencing the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through territory claimed by India.
Strategic Significance: Showing Resolve
India’s double whammy—military action and diplomatic confrontation—shows that it is ready to defend its interests on multiple fronts. At a time when China is expanding its influence in South Asia, India has made it clear that any effort to use terrorists or insurgents as tools of pressure will be met with resistance. Whether it is hitting militant camps or calling out double standards at global forums, India is playing a more assertive role in the region.
Conclusion
India’s recent actions represent a bold and calculated strategy to counter China’s growing influence and protect its national interests. India has delivered a double blow. This approach signals India’s readiness to defend its sovereignty and demand accountability from regional powers.
Recently, CM of Arunachala Pradesh, criticised China stating that India borders with Tibet not China. This is clear, assertive message to China.
References
1.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/will-bring-pahalgam-attackers-to-justice-external-affairs-minister-s-jaishankar-at-sco/articleshow/122534936.cms?utm
2.https://ddnews.gov.in/en/eam-jaishankar-highlights-three-evils-of-terrorism-at-sco-summit-takes-subtle-dig-at-pakistan-2/?utm
3.https://www.ssbcrack.com/2025/07/ulfai-claims-drone-attacks-on-its-camps-along-myanmar-border-indian-army-denies-any-involvement.html
4.www.indiatoday.in/india/story/drone-missile-strikes-top-ulfa-leaders-killed-myanmar-border-indian-army-denies-role-assam-cm-himanta-2755459-2025-07-14?utm
