India, Mr. Jaishankar emphasized, remains steadfast in its approach to resolving the border issue with China through “bilateral talks aimed at achieving a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable settlement.”
New Delhi:
India-China relations, which had been “abnormal” since the military clash in eastern Ladakh in April 2020, resulting in casualties on both sides for the first time in 45 years, have shown signs of improvement. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shared this update in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, stating that “continuous diplomatic engagement” since the confrontation has helped steer the relationship in a more positive direction.
Mr. Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to resolving the border dispute with China through dialogue. However, he acknowledged that managing the border areas would require ongoing attention, given the recent experiences. He outlined three key principles that must guide the relationship moving forward:
- Both countries must fully respect and adhere to the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
- Neither side should seek to unilaterally alter the status quo.
- Past agreements and understandings between the two nations should be honored in their entirety.
Reflecting on the tensions of 2020, Jaishankar recalled how China’s large troop deployment along the LAC in eastern Ladakh led to multiple face-offs, disrupting patrols and escalating tensions. He commended the Indian armed forces for their swift and effective counter-deployment despite logistical challenges and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Alongside military readiness, Jaishankar highlighted the importance of diplomatic efforts in defusing tensions and restoring peace. Nearly two dozen rounds of talks between military commanders, the most recent on August 29, resulted in an October agreement that saw Indian and Chinese troops return to their pre-2020 positions and resume normal patrolling. The government confirmed last week that this agreement has been fully implemented.
