On Tuesday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar provided an update on the evolving relationship between India and China, signaling a positive shift in bilateral ties. Jaishankar noted that the relations between the two nations had been "abnormal" since 2020 when peace and tranquillity in the border areas were disturbed due to Chinese actions. The minister's comments came as he briefed the Lok Sabha on the recent developments that have occurred since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which left casualties on both sides. He emphasized that while the situation had been tense, recent diplomatic engagements and developments have pointed to a direction of improvement in the relationship.
Jaishankar's remarks are significant, considering the long-standing standoff that had developed between the two countries after the Galwan clash. The clash had led to an unprecedented loss of lives in the region, marking the first fatalities in 45 years along the border between India and China. In response to the situation, India had made a determined counter-deployment of forces to secure its borders. However, the government also recognized the need for a diplomatic effort to resolve the situation and restore peace and stability in the region. Jaishankar’s comments reflect the careful balancing of military readiness and diplomatic engagement that the Indian government has pursued since then.
One of the key aspects of Jaishankar's address was his reference to several previous agreements between India and China that aimed to maintain peace along their shared border. These agreements, signed over the years—starting in 1991 and continuing through 2013—were designed to ensure peaceful coexistence and to prevent military confrontations. Jaishankar stressed that the disruption of peace in 2020 was unprecedented, given the long history of efforts between the two countries to maintain calm along the border. By recalling these agreements, he underscored the gravity of the situation and the importance of restoring normalcy in their relations.
The most recent agreement between India and China, which focuses on patrolling in the Depsang and Demchok areas, is a significant development in this ongoing process. In the months following the Galwan Valley clash, both sides had pulled back their troops from four of six friction points in eastern Ladakh, including the Galwan area. The agreement to resume patrolling marks a substantial step in de-escalating tensions and fostering cooperation. Indian and Chinese troops have already conducted one round of patrolling in these areas, and both sides have agreed to undertake coordinated patrols every week. This effort to resume regular patrolling is a positive sign, but both countries are mindful of the need for continued dialogue to ensure stability along the LAC.
Jaishankar also highlighted the importance of maintaining open lines of communication at the local commanders' level. This will involve regular meetings and coordination between officers at the rank of brigadier and other similar levels, ensuring that tensions do not escalate into larger confrontations. By engaging at this level, both countries aim to maintain stability and prevent misunderstandings that could lead to conflict.
In addition to the military and diplomatic progress, the engagement between Indian and Chinese forces has extended to symbolic gestures of goodwill. For instance, on October 31, Indian and Chinese troops exchanged sweets during the celebration of Diwali, marking a significant cultural and diplomatic gesture. This exchange of sweets, which is a common practice along the India-China border, symbolizes the desire for cooperation and mutual respect, even in the face of previous tensions.
Despite the challenges posed by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, Jaishankar’s comments suggest that India and China are on a path toward a more stable and cooperative relationship. The road to improved relations remains complex and requires continued dialogue and careful management of tensions. However, the recent agreements and diplomatic engagements highlight the commitment of both countries to managing their differences peacefully and fostering a stable environment in the region. Moving forward, Jaishankar's remarks signal optimism that, despite the setbacks of the past, the future of India-China relations could see a significant positive shift if the current diplomatic momentum is sustained.
