External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the ongoing border tensions between India and China, shedding light on the complexities and challenges of the situation while speaking at the Asia Society in New York. He clarified that when he had earlier mentioned that 75% of the India-China border dispute had been resolved, it was specifically in reference to the disengagement of troops in the eastern Ladakh region. Jaishankar emphasized that while significant progress has been made in disengaging troops from several friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), there remain unresolved patrolling issues that need to be addressed in future discussions. He highlighted that the next step in the process would involve the delicate task of de-escalating tensions, which would require additional negotiations and careful diplomacy.
Jaishankar underscored the "difficult history" between India and China, citing the 2020 border clash as a key point of tension. During that time, despite explicit agreements between the two nations, China moved a substantial number of troops to the LAC, violating these agreements. This sudden escalation led to the violent confrontation at Galwan Valley, resulting in fatalities on both sides, which has since cast a long shadow over the relationship between the two countries. The minister reflected on how the Galwan incident exacerbated the already strained relations, making it clear that resolving the border issue is essential for improving bilateral ties.
In his speech, Jaishankar also clarified that when he spoke of 75% progress, he was referring specifically to the disengagement of troops and not the entire border dispute. He stated that much of the disengagement has been successfully carried out in the key friction points, but noted that several critical patrolling issues remain unresolved. These unresolved areas continue to present challenges in fully stabilizing the border region, and thus the focus of future talks will shift toward de-escalation and addressing these patrolling concerns. This process, he said, will require sustained diplomatic efforts and close coordination between both countries' military and political leadership.
Jaishankar’s comments follow his earlier statement in September, where he noted that about 75% of the disengagement-related issues had been addressed, with ongoing talks aimed at resolving the remaining issues. The disengagement process, which began in February 2021 after the violent clashes in 2020, remains a work in progress. Multiple rounds of high-level talks have taken place, with both India and China committed to finding a peaceful resolution, though tensions along the border remain a significant concern.
During his address, Jaishankar also touched upon the broader geopolitical implications of the India-China relationship, stating that the dynamics between the two Asian giants are central to shaping the future of the continent. He emphasized that if the world is to evolve into a multipolar global order, Asia must also become multipolar, and the nature of the India-China relationship will be pivotal in determining that outcome. He suggested that a stable and peaceful relationship between New Delhi and Beijing would have profound implications not only for Asia but for the global order as well.
The minister reiterated India's long-standing commitment to its 'Act East Policy,' which places ASEAN at the core of India’s strategic engagement with East Asia. He pointed out that over the past decade, the policy has matured, expanding beyond ASEAN to encompass broader regional partnerships. The emergence of the Indo-Pacific as a key strategic concept, he added, is a reflection of the success of India’s Act East Policy. Jaishankar’s remarks underscored the importance of continued engagement with ASEAN and other regional partners in maintaining peace and stability in Asia.
Jaishankar’s statements come on the heels of a series of high-level diplomatic engagements between India and China aimed at resolving the border dispute. On September 13, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the BRICS meeting in St. Petersburg, Russia. During the meeting, both sides reiterated their commitment to expedite the "complete disengagement" process at the remaining friction points along the LAC. The discussions focused on ensuring that the disengagement process continues in a structured and peaceful manner, with both nations reaffirming their intention to uphold peace and stability along the border.
In August 2024, India and China held their 31st round of border talks, during which both sides engaged in what the Ministry of External Affairs described as a "frank, constructive, and forward-looking exchange" of views on the situation along the LAC. According to the official statement, both countries agreed to jointly uphold peace and tranquility in the border areas, adhering to relevant bilateral agreements and protocols that have been established between their governments. The two sides emphasized the need for continued dialogue to ensure that the LAC remains peaceful and that any remaining issues are addressed through diplomatic channels.
The Ministry of External Affairs further reiterated that restoring peace and tranquility along the LAC is essential for normalizing bilateral relations between India and China. The border dispute, which has been a long-standing issue between the two nations, has taken on greater significance in the wake of the 2020 clashes. Although progress has been made in the disengagement process, the road to fully resolving the border dispute remains complex and requires ongoing engagement from both sides.
In light of these developments, Jaishankar’s remarks highlight the delicate balance that India must maintain in its dealings with China. While progress has been made on the disengagement front, the broader relationship between the two nations continues to be influenced by historical grievances, geopolitical considerations, and the realities of military posturing along the border. The future of India-China relations will likely depend on how both nations navigate these challenges in the coming months and years, particularly as they work toward resolving the remaining issues along the LAC and establishing a more stable and peaceful relationship.
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