The Indian position on Tibet is muted but based on its traditional opposition to separatist movements and the belief that these should be internally negotiated without external intervention. India's sensitivities are based on its own experience in Kashmir and the Northeast.

China is a particularly sensitive issue and India had committed that the Tibetan refugees and their government in exile would "not indulge in political activity" that would be against China. India has thus urged that differences between the two be negotiated and resolved peacefully, without accusing China of rights violations.

The western countries have accused China of genocide and human rights violations. The west has selectively used human rights to intervene, topple regimes, and apply sanctions. So, for example, it censures China, but ignores violations in Iraq, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

The Dalai Lama has taken a wise and principled position that endorses Tibet as part of China. He has opposed any violence by the Tibetans, advocated restraint, asked for negotiations and even threatened to resign as political leader if the violence continues. He has appealed to China to stop the cultural oppression of the Tibetan minorities.

India is caught in the horns of a dilemma between the principles of morality as opposed to the doctrine of expediency. India has signed a 'Global Democracy Initiative' with the US. When the principality of Kosovo seceded and declared independence from Serbia in violation of international law, India did not oppose this outright but said that they were 'to further study the legal implications.' India should take a tougher stand on human rights violations world over, but cannot do so as long as it violates human rights in its own regions of insurgencies.

Democracies should take a more consistent stand on the rights of minorities, including those who want a political rearrangement. But for this it is imperative that the international community stays steadfast on principled positions and not be silent on Iraq while criticising China. With the Dalai Lama strongly coming out for a negotiated settlement and repeatedly clarifying that Tibet is part of China, the way for negotiations is clear.

Courtesy: www.economictimes.indiatimes.com, March 21, 2008