Modi-ji, why don't you give Xi-ji a call?

India has been working the phones, reaching out to UNSC non-permanent members in the wake of difficult negotiations over the statement condemning the Pahalgam terror attack. With Pakistan currently serving as non-permanent UNSC member, India has had to go that extra mile. Even S Jaishankar has got into the act, reaching out to his counterparts across the world, especially in the 'global south'. There is another call that New Delhi would be smart to make: Prime Minister Narendra Modi should give Chinese premier Xi Jinping a call, mano e mano.

Investigations have reportedly found that the terrorists were using Chinese comm systems - Huawei sat phones and encrypted chat apps. Pakistan-based terrorists killed in encounters in J&K have often had satellite phones and navigations systems based on BeiDou, the China National Space Administration (CNSA)-owned and operated system. While there is no evidence of a direct link, Beijing is unlikely to like the idea of being known as provider of choice to this murderous lot. During 2019-23, more than 80% of Pakistani arms were from China. Beijing would not like to be openly linked with terror groups.

Given the circumstances, a call from Modi to Xi won't be out of place, especially with the latter recently stating the need for a 'dragon-elephant tango' to emphasise friendlier ties between the two countries. Modi giving Xi a tinkle is unlikely to stop China from being Pakistan's UNSC veto card and sugar daddy. Beijing has its own reasons for shielding and supporting Pakistan. But it could bring China out into the open regarding its relationship with Rawalpindi, much like its support for Russia in the Ukraine war, never mind the denials. The Pakistan ball is for India to lob into China's court.