EVENTS

Abstract        

The Dalai Lama’s domicile in India and its implications for the stability of Tibet remains a not-oft-debated yet a central issue in India-China relations. As New Delhi negotiates a border settlement in the eastern sector in Arunachal and in Tawang in particular, Tibet is uppermost in Beijing’s mind. This is because Tibet and Tawang have been closely linked historically. Therefore, it remains important to study the impact of the Dalai Lama’s entry on Tibetan and Indian populations. The Noodlemaker of Kalimpong is an important book in shedding new light on the subject. Gyalo Thondup and Anne Thurston’s study combined with other research on the local reactions to the entry of the Dalai Lama into the Tawang tract enhance our insight into what fuels Chinese insecurities. The entry and asylum for the Dalai Lama and his de facto government is a thorn in Beijing’s eye, and in their understanding it ferments trouble across the border. It also motivates Beijing to see India as a hegemonic power with aspirations towards controlling Tibet.  

About the Speaker

Sonia Shukla is an Adjunct Fellow at the Institute of Chinese Studies. She is currently co-authoring a book on the India-China border policy, and working as a consultant on Indian foreign and security policy issues. While specialising in international security issues, Sonia launched and edited a high-end strategic affairs magazine called, Defence and Security of India. Sonia has been an editor at The Indian Express, contributing regular articles on India’s fight against terrorism and the rise of fundamentalist forces in the region, India-Pakistan relations, Missile Defence, India’s relations with its other neighbours and the United States. Her writings and papers have also appeared in China Report, The Business Standard and Hard News. Apart from journalism, Sonia edited a book on Peace Processes in Asia and Africa in 2006. As part of her book research, Sonia lived in Arunachal Pradesh, close to the China border in the West Kameng and Tawang districts. As part of her work, Sonia travelled in China, Vietnam and Indonesia to study the impact of economic reforms in 2001. Sonia also worked at The Independent newspaper in London in May 2000 as a Chevening Scholar at the University of Westminster, London. Her interests are travelling, reading, and trekking.