For the last few weeks, one has repeatedly been saying both the Chinese intrusion in the Pangong Tso area and the activity opposite the Indian position in the Galwan Valley is a smokescreen. Unfortunately, like moths drawn to a naked flame, the chorus of having “lost territory” to the Chinese seems to have completely dominated the Indian mindset. Politics in a democracy like India’s is nothing but a game of perceptions and in what has now become a trademark of sorts, once again the optics are pushing us into a corner. The latest in this bizarre game of showmanship is the Defence Minister’s visit to Ladakh, once again with the CDS and the COAS in tow. The band seems to be playing only one tune at present and it seems to have the Prime Minister as its benchmark—what you can do, I can do even better!Read More…