India-China Relations Can Only Possible When Borders Get Peace & Tranquillity
The EAM S. Jaishankar gave a clear message to China from India that India-China relations can only improve if there will be peace in Ladakh & other borders.
In a clear message to China, India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, stated that any expectation of normalizing ties between the two countries while the border situation in eastern Ladakh remains unresolved is unfounded.
Speaking at a special media briefing on India’s foreign policy, Jaishankar emphasized that the main problem hindering improved relations with China is the “forward deployment” of troops along the border.
Jaishankar pointed out that China is the only leading country with which India’s relations have not advanced in recent years.
He cited the violation of border agreements in 2020 and the deployment of a large number of troops along the frontier as reasons for the lack of progress.
He made it clear that until there is peace and tranquility in the border areas, the relationship between the two countries cannot move forward.
The Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a confrontation in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh for over three years.
Although disengagement has occurred in some areas following extensive diplomatic and military talks, the overall situation remains tense.
Jaishankar stressed that it is in neither country’s interest to prolong the impasse and that both sides need to find ways for the troops to disengage.
India has consistently shown that it does not succumb to coercion, inducements, or false narratives.
Jaishankar mentioned India’s firm approach towards the situation along the northern border and its opposition to China’s Belt and Road Initiative as examples of India’s stance.
He also emphasized that India wants to improve relations with China, but it can only happen when there is peace and tranquility on the border and adherence to agreements.
The strained relations between India and China deteriorated significantly after a violent clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, which marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades.
Since then, diplomatic and military-level talks have been ongoing, but the issue of forward deployment and troop presence remains a major obstacle.
While India’s relations with other leading countries and key groupings have been on an upswing, the same cannot be said for China.
The Indian government has made it clear to China that progress in the relationship can only happen when there is peace along the border.
Jaishankar emphasized that the obstacle to improved relations lies with China’s actions and choices, which include breaking agreements and coercive tactics.
Thus it is India’s clear message to China that normalizing bilateral relations between the two countries is totally dependent upon resolving the border situation and achieving peace and tranquility in the India-China border regions.
