India To Weigh Options After China ‘Hold' On Azhar

New Delhi can wait out the block or push for UNSC reforms: experts

- Suhasini Haidar

Despite weeks of a diplomatic campaign by New Delhi after the Pulwama attack, China’s decision to place a “hold” on the UN Security Council listing of Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar is a setback that will force the government to reconsider its strategy on the issue, and consider its options and priorities in the weeks ahead.

Among those options are whether to continue to pursue the Azhar listing issue with China, abandon the effort, or lobby other UN Security Council members to try and change the UNSC veto system entirely, say experts.

Long-drawn process

To begin with, China’s hold does not automatically kill the current proposal to list Azhar. China can maintain the hold for up to six months according to the guidelines of the 1267 ISIL and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee. After that, it can request one extension for up to three months.

This means, if India chooses to pursue the issue, it could use the time to convince China of the importance of the move.