TOI report says India expects Beijing to use diplomatic channels to express its concern over LeT commander’s release
India expects China to use its influence over Pakistan to resolve the delicate situation thrown up by the release of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, the alleged mastermind of the Mumbai attack from prison, said a report on the Times of India website.
“Any gesture from China is bound to have a very positive effect on negotiations during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Beijing next month,” a source cued on government thinking told TNN. Both sides want to make the visit a big success and some political gestures can pave the path for smooth negotiations, he said.
India has also conveyed its expectation from Beijing to Chinese authorities, the report said. Though China is unlikely to publicly express its displeasure over the action of Pakistan, whom it regards as all-weather friend, Beijing can still use diplomatic channels to express its concern at Lakhvi’s release.
The episode might also delay Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Islamabad because he would not want to be seen endorsing the Pakistani action, the report quoted an unnamed Chinese expert.
“It is a very complex issue. China wants good relations with both countries. But we don’t want to be seen backing one against the other,” he said. China is Pakistan’s closet allay but Beijing needs India for its vast market and international influence, he added.
Indian officials worry China will reiterate its old stance about not interfering in the internal affairs of other countries in order to keep silent on the Lakhvi release. China may also be afraid about angering extremist groups in Pakistan because some of them are known to instigate terrorism in the Chinese province of Xinjiang across the border.
Modi’s success obtaining support from the United States and France on his stance over the Lakhvi release is also weighing on Chinese diplomats, said the report.
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