External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar emphasized the critical importance of peace and stability in border areas as a foundation for fostering better relations between India and China. Addressing the Rajya Sabha today on recent developments in India’s relations with China, Dr. Jaishankar noted that discussions between the two countries in the coming days will focus on de-escalation and effective border management.
On the face-off between the Indian and the Chinese army in April-May 2020 in eastern Ladakh, Dr Jaishankar said, that India-China ties have been abnormal since 2020 when peace and tranquillity in the border areas were disturbed as a result of Chinese actions. He said the amassing of a large number of troops by China along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh in April-May 2020 resulted in face-offs with forces at a number of points. He added that the situation also led to the disruption of patrolling activities. He lauded the role of armed forces saying that despite logistical challenges and the Covid situation, India was able to counter-deploy rapidly and effectively.
The Minister highlighted the gradual progress in resolving these tensions, with disengagement achieved in areas including Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh through a step-by-step process. Dr. Jaishankar emphasized that both sides should strictly respect and observe the LAC and neither side should attempt to unilaterally alter the status quo.
The Minister highlighted that China illegally occupied 38 thousand square kilometres of Indian territory in Aksai Chin as a result of the 1962 conflicts. He added that Pakistan illegally ceded five thousand 180 square kilometres of Indian territory to China in 1963, which has been under its occupation since 1948. The Minister said India and China have held talks for multiple decades to resolve the boundary issue. The Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to resolving boundary issues with China through bilateral discussions aimed at a fair and mutually acceptable framework.
Highlighting the government’s focus on strengthening border infrastructure, Dr Jaishankar said significant progress has been made in developing roads, airfields, and other logistical facilities in Ladakh. These enhancements have bolstered the armed forces’ capacity for effective counter-deployment, reflecting the government’s resolve to safeguard national borders.
Yesterday, a similar statement was made by the External Affairs Minister in the Lok Sabha.
