India backs China on human rights

By C. Raja Mohan

NEW DELHI, APRIL 18. In an important signal of its commitment to an independent foreign policy, the Government on Wednesday supported Beijing in beating back a Washington-sponsored resolution at the United Nations condemning alleged human rights abuses in China.

At the 53-member United Nations Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, India has voted for a ``no-action'' motion moved by China to stall a decision on the American draft human rights resolution.

While the Indian decision was not surprising, it acquires some political significance in the context of the new tensions in Sino-U.S. relations and the emerging warmth in Indo-U.S. ties. The decision should allay Beijing's concerns that New Delhi might now want to gang up with Washington to contain China.

Mutual support against Western resolutions on human rights in international fora has been an important element of cooperation between India and China in recent years. Last year too India had voted with China in preventing action by the UNCHR against China.

After the vote in Geneva last year, the Chinese Foreign Minister, Mr. Tang Jiaxuan, thanked his Indian counterpart, Mr. Jaswant Singh, for the support extended.

The decision to vote in favour of China against an American resolution is despite recent requests from Washington urging New Delhi to reconsider its vote in the UNCHR debate on human rights in China. The Chinese ``no-action'' motion was carried tonight with 23 votes in favour, 17 against and 12 abstentions. India voted in favour of the motion.

The Clinton administration sounded out India last year about changing its vote at least to an abstention. India and the U.S. have also been cooperating on the ``community of democracies initiative'' to promote political pluralism worldwide.

In backing Beijing at Geneva, India sends the message to China that it will continue to pursue an autonomous foreign policy despite the recent improvement in Indo-U.S. relations.

Both during and after his highly successful visit to the U.S. earlier this month, Mr. Singh sought to dispel the misperceptions in China about an incipient alliance between New Delhi and Washington. He had insisted that India's relations with the U.S. would stand on their own merit and not be linked to American ties with a third party.

The Indian vote on Wednesday in Geneva confirms the assessment that New Delhi is likely to follow a carefully calibrated policy in navigating the new Asian turbulence arising from the current uncertain phase in Sino-U.S. relations.

India is determined to improve its relations with both the U.S. and China and insulate itself from the ups and downs of Sino-U.S. ties.

Eastham holds talks

Meanwhile, the acting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, Mr. Alan Eastham, had wide-ranging consultations with Indian officials here toady. Mr. Eastham who arrived here last evening called on the Foreign Secretary, Ms. Chokila Iyer, and compared notes with senior officials in the Ministry of External Affairs.

Mr. Eastham's visit is part of the regular institutional interaction at the functional level between the two Governments. His talks today covered a wide range of issues, including regional stability and global developments. On Thursday, Mr. Eastham is travelling to Nepal and will later head to the Central Asian Republics.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Front Page
Previous : 'Cong. demand has come too late'
Next     : Hurriyat leader launches tirade against Delhi