This could then further the military's goals, allowing a broader and more decisive campaign against all separatists in Assam. Conversely, the new alert status is unlikely to lead to border skirmishes with the Chinese. Shekatkar, the army commander in the area, made several comments to the PTI suggesting the situation remained relatively low-key, despite the alert. He later said that top army officials of the two countries hold at least monthly border meetings to defuse tension and solve problems. More broadly, India appears interested in strengthening relations with China.
Recent events are over-riding traditional antagonism.
Hoping to gain Chinese support during the Kargil conflict in June, Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh told Beijing's foreign minister, Tang Jiaxuan, that India did not consider his country a threat. Most recently, President KR Narayanan told the parliament on October 25 that India should continue its dialogue with China to improve and broaden relations. But in the long run, improved relations with China are likely to take time and could be difficult to maintain. India needs a quicker fix, and may find it in a strike to quash ULFA militants in Assam. Recent attempts at negotiations with the group have been fruitless.