Prime Minister Nehru recently eased his position on opening talks with Communist China for a settlement of the border dispute. About 15,000 square miles of Indian territory went under Chinese control after the invasion of India late in 1962. Mr. Nehru said he was willing to begin talks if Communist China pulled back the troops in the disputed area and initiated the approach for talks. Observers unanimously agree that dealings with the two neighboring countries will be more difficult now. When Mr. Nehru was alive, he had authority to decide on his own and prevail upon his party to accept his decisions.
Observers doubt that any individual can lead the country in the same way.
They feel rather that decisions will be made by a collective leadership in a more complicated manner. And most Indian leaders are less liberal than Mr. Nehru was. Back to today's page. Go to another day.