Despite all the brouhaha and claims by the opposition there is no substantive change in the formulation on reference to Tibet in the joint declaration.
So has India made any significant concessions on Tibet, without reciprocity from China on Tibet? Yes, if you believe the opposition and the critics, but the Minister of External Affairs and his ministry have been prompt in pointing out that the language of the joint declaration only echoes previous statements issued by the two countries.
The confusion seems to have arisen because of a much quoted release by the official Chinese news agency that “the Indian government has, for the first time, recognised explicitly the Tibet Autonomous Region as part of Chinese territory”. There was much talk of the use of the word “inalienable” in the joint declaration. It was claimed that the in the declaration India was said to have recognised that Tibet is “an inalienable part of China”. But a perusal of the full text of the declaration reveals that this was mere speculation.
The Ministry of External Affairs has released this list of previous references to Tibet in India-China documents.
1954: The Agreement between India and China on Trade And Intercourse between Tibet Region of China and India
“Being desirous of promoting trade and cultural intercourse between Tibet Region of China and India and of facilitating pilgrimage and travel by the peoples of China and India.”
1958: Notes sent by the Ministry of External Affairs to the embassy of China in India
“The Government of india recognise that the Tibetan region is part of the People’s Republic of China.”
1988: India-China Joint Press Communique
“The Chinese side expressed concern over anti-China activities by some Tibetan elements in India. The Indian side reiterated the longstanding and consistent policy of the Government of India that Tibet is an autonomous region of China and that anti-China political activities by Tibetan elements are not permitted on Indian soil.”
1991: India-China Joint Communique
“The Chinese side expressed concern about the continued activities in India by some Tibetans against their motherland and reiterated that Tibet was an inalienable part of Chinese territory ad that it was firmly opposed to any attempt and action aimed at splitting China and bringing about “Independence of Tibet”. The Indian side reiterated its long-standing and consistent position that Tibet is an autonomous region of China and that it does not allow Tibetans to engage in anti-China political activities in India.”
2003: Declaration on Principles for Relations and Comprehensive Cooperation between the Republic of India and the People’s Republic of China
“The Indian side recognizes that the Tibet Autonomous Region is part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China and reiterates that it does not allow Tibetans to engage in anti-China political activities in India. The Chinese side expresses its appreciation for the Indian position and reiterates that it is firmly opposed to any attempt and action aimed at splitting China and bringing about “independence of Tibet”.
