EAM S Jaishankar’s bold statement: India seeks fair boundary settlement with china amid tensions

New Delhi: India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, shedding light on the evolving situation between India and China. He emphasized India's commitment to engaging with China through bilateral discussions to find a fair and mutually acceptable framework for resolving the long-standing border dispute. The statement came amidst the backdrop of strained ties between the two countries following the 2020 border clashes, which disrupted peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Normalizing Bilateral Ties After 2020 Clashes

Jaishankar acknowledged the abnormal state of bilateral relations since 2020, when peace in the border regions was disturbed by Chinese actions. However, he also highlighted the recent developments, indicating that continued diplomatic engagement has steered the relationship toward gradual improvement. He remarked, "Recent developments that reflect our continuous diplomatic engagement since then have set our ties in the direction of some improvement."

While addressing the Lok Sabha, Jaishankar underscored the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas as a prerequisite for further development in the India-China relationship. He shared India's plans for future talks with China, stating that de-escalation and effective management of activities at the border would be central to the discussions in the coming days.

Disengagement Achieved, De-Escalation Next Priority

Jaishankar noted that the disengagement process along the LAC had been successfully completed, which provided a foundation for India to evaluate other aspects of its bilateral engagement with China. "The conclusion of the disengagement phase now allows us to consider other aspects of our bilateral engagement in a calibrated manner, keeping our national security interests first and foremost," he explained.

In his recent meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Jaishankar revealed that both sides agreed to convene Special Representatives and Foreign Secretary-level mechanisms to further the dialogue. The immediate priority, he emphasized, was to ensure that disengagement from friction points was fully achieved to prevent any untoward incidents or clashes.

Reflecting on the 2020 Border Face-Offs

Recalling the tensions of 2020, Jaishankar reminded the Lok Sabha of the significant military standoff that occurred along the LAC, particularly in eastern Ladakh. "The amassing of a large number of troops by China along the LAC in eastern Ladakh in April-May 2020 resulted in face-offs with our forces at a number of points," he said. These confrontations led to fatalities and disruptions in patrolling activities. Jaishankar lauded the efforts of the Indian armed forces, who, despite the logistical challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic, were able to counter-deploy effectively.

He further highlighted the violent clashes in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, which marked the first fatalities between the two nations in 45 years. Jaishankar stressed that while the immediate response involved military counter-deployment, it was equally critical to engage in diplomacy to defuse tensions and restore peace.

A Long History of Diplomatic Engagement

Jaishankar traced the history of India-China relations, pointing out the series of agreements and confidence-building measures that have been in place since 1988. These agreements were designed to maintain peace along the LAC pending a final resolution of the boundary dispute. Over the years, India and China have built a framework for consultations, including the establishment of mechanisms like the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) in 2012, aimed at promoting cooperation and reducing military tensions.

The minister reiterated India's firm stance that any efforts to resolve the border dispute must adhere to three key principles: mutual respect for the LAC, avoidance of unilateral alterations to the status quo, and adherence to past agreements in their entirety. These principles have guided India's foreign policy toward China, ensuring that security concerns are always prioritized.

Building Trust Through De-Escalation

In addition to Jaishankar’s statements, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's recent engagement with China’s Defence Minister, Admiral Dong Jun, further highlighted India’s push for de-escalation. Singh emphasized the need to build greater trust and confidence through de-escalation efforts and discussed strategies for further strengthening bilateral relations.

As both countries seek to transition from disengagement to de-escalation, the upcoming diplomatic dialogues are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future trajectory of India-China ties. Jaishankar’s remarks underscore India’s determination to prioritize national security while fostering a stable and peaceful relationship with its northern neighbor.