India China Dispute - BRICS could play a role.

India and China have had endless rounds of negotiations to resolve their border dispute in the last five decades. An early resolution is no where in sight. Enough is enough. It is time that the Indian government pays heed to the Constitutional direction contained in article 50(d) which reads: 'The State shall endeavour to encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.' Indeed arbitration is the most honourable solution in this case. But who should be the arbitrator? Three members of BRICS, namely Brazil, Russia and South Africa are today ideally placed to offer their good offices and arbitrate in the dispute. The governments of India and China, the other two members of BRICS, should therefore approach these three friendly nations and ask them to arbitrate in the matter. Hopefully a joint commission of Brazil, Russia and SA will study the issue in depth and give a just verdict which shall be binding on the two warring sides. The honourable settlement will bring prosperity to both India and China, stability in the region and peace in the world.

- Baldev Raj Dawar, A former member of IFS(B),