Even though a new geopolitical equation has been evolving between India and China since the formation of the NDA-2 government in May 2014, the Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS), given a yearly grant of Rs one crore, has been advocating a China line that has far outlived its utility. At least, that's the reported impression of MEA and NSA. Further, the ICS' advisory board, as well as the governing council, are packed with old UPA elites. And together, without consulting the government, they appointed IFS officer Ashok Kantha, who was earlier ambassador to China, as director of the institute. Since Kantha is the son-in-law of anti-PM faction BJP leader Yashwant Sinha, his appointment, as orchestrated and maneuvered by the ICS liberal elites, was seen as designed to cause embarrassment to NaMo. So a government retaliation was expected. And now, the Institute will have to earn grants on the basis of merit of projects.