NEW DELHI: The Indian army’s reported move to deploy about 100 tanks along its disputed border with China may adversely affect bilateral ties, which could hamper plans for Chinese investments in India, the Global Times said on Thursday.

The commentary in the newspaper considered close to the Chi­ne­se ruling party has been widely circulated in the Indian media. It came two days after NDTV news channel reported that up to 100 tanks were positioned by the Indian army in eastern Ladakh, near the border with China.

According to local reports, the Global Times has said the deployment may “hit a nerve” within the Chinese business community and urged both countries to work hard to “clear up misunderstandings”.

“A media report stating that nearly 100 Indian tanks have been positioned near the Indo-China border to counter any possible threat grabbed people’s attention as more Chinese firms are looking to increase their investment in India. However, it is puzzling that while deploying tanks near China’s border, India still strives to woo Chinese investment.”

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2016