India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, addressed the ongoing border tensions between India and China, emphasizing the complexities in their relationship and the progress made towards resolving disengagement issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Speaking at the Asia Society Policy Institute, Jaishankar acknowledged the historical challenges and underscored the critical importance of the India-China relationship in shaping the future of both Asia and the world.
Highlighting the border disputes that escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jaishankar stated, “Despite our clear agreements with China, during the pandemic, the Chinese troops violated these agreements, moving a large number of forces to the LAC.” He mentioned that this led to clashes between the two sides, resulting in casualties and further straining the relationship.
The minister pointed out that while significant progress has been made, with “75 percent of the disengagement issues resolved,” there are still unresolved patrolling concerns. “When I said 75 percent of it has been sorted out, it’s only of the disengagement. So, that’s one part of the problem. Some of the patrolling issues still need to be resolved. The next step will be de-escalation,” Jaishankar clarified.
Jaishankar also stressed the importance of the India-China relationship in the context of a shifting global order. “Asia is very much at the cutting edge of that change. Within Asia, India is part of leading that change… The India-China relationship is key to the future of Asia… It will influence not just the future of Asia but, in that way, perhaps the future of the world as well,” he said.
In response, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong echoed the need for cooperation between the two nations. He emphasized mutual respect and trust, citing the consensus reached by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “China and India are not rivals or threats to each other, but are partners in cooperation and development opportunities,” Xu stated. He further urged both countries to implement the consensus and accommodate each other’s core interests.
