MEDIA REACTION:SINO-INDIA RELATIONS, VISIT OF

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 001887 SIPDIS STATE FOR NP, AC, PM STATE FOR INR/MR STATE FOR SCA/INS, PM/CBM, PM/PRO STATE FOR SCA/PPD, PA/RRU STATE FOR AID/APRE-A USDOC FOR 4530/IEP/ANESA/OSA FOR BILL MURPHY E.O. 12958:N/A TAGS: KMDR KPAO PGOV PREL IN SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION:SINO-INDIA RELATIONS, VISIT OF INDIAN PRESIDENT TO RUSSIA; NEW DELHI. This countrywide cable reports on relevant media reaction/opinion from India's large non-English press. The Mission reports on English-language media via email through the daily "Early Edition" summary. -------------- SINO-INDIA RELATIONS -------------- ¶1. "CHINA TAKING ADVANTAGE OF INDIA'S SILENCE," commentary in September 9 Hindi daily, RASHTRIYA SAHARA: "On the one hand China denies India's allegations of intrusion in Ladakh and talks about investigating it. On the other hand, however, it is quite evident that China does not respect the border... It keeps claiming Indian territory and opposes any initiative taken by India for the development of the border state of Arunachal Pradesh. Just like Aksai Chin, will we also end up surrendering Tawang to China on a silver platter? China is geo-strategically in a better position because of railways, land and air transportation. China's mindset and strategy should be studied correctly, and responded diplomatically." ¶2. "WHY SILENCE OVER CHINESE INTRUSION?," editorial in September 8 right-of-center Urdu daily RASHTRIYA SAHARA: "Usually, our reaction to acts of intrusion by China remains very weak and feeble. The question is why it is so? Are we ignoring the threats to India posed by China, due to any fear or expediency, or we are quite unknown of those threats? Whatever the reason may be, continuous intrusions by China are a big challenge for our government. Chinese helicopters have trespassed our borders twenty four times this month. It is perhaps, because we have not taken any harsh stand. Now the Chinese troops have intruded into Laddakh area. Our government should take strong notice of such matters and envisage a bold policy in this regard." ¶3. "RELATIONS WITH NEIGHBORS," editorial in September 8 right-of-center Urdu daily ETEMAAD: "India has always opted a policy of co-existence with its neighboring countries. Despite having tremendous powers, it never went for any expansionist designs. In this perspective, a strategy is formulated to deal with continuous intrusions by Chinese troops. It is quite satisfactory that there is no effect of change of governments on India's foreign policy. It is a symbol of a mature democratic sense." -------------- VISIT OF INDIAN PRESIDENT TO RUSSIA -------------- ¶4. "PRESIDENT OF INDIA VISITS RUSSIA," editorial in September 9 right-of-center Urdu daily ETEMAAD: "In the perspective of growing closer relations with the U.S, President Pratibha Patil's visit to Russia enjoys extraordinary significance. During her meeting with Russia Prime Minister Putin, she gave a clear message that Russia should not nurture any misunderstanding NEW DELHI 00001887 002 OF 002 over India's relations with the U.S. As far as Indo- Russia bilateral relations are concerned, India values the whole-hearted cooperation extended by Russia in economic, defense and nuclear fields. While on the other hand, Russia too considers India to be it's friend." ROEMER