External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that India-China relations have seen significant improvement, particularly through recent military and diplomatic talks. He highlighted that these engagements have successfully addressed key border issues, including a patrolling agreement for areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Jaishankar acknowledged that relations between the two nations had been strained since 2020 due to disruptions in peace and tranquillity along the border caused by China’s actions. He credited India’s forces for their rapid response in countering Chinese troops despite logistical challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recent developments have set India-China ties on a positive trajectory, with ongoing diplomatic efforts aiming for a fair and mutually acceptable framework for border resolution. Jaishankar emphasized that while the disengagement phase is now complete, the focus will shift towards de-escalation and managing activities in the border areas.
“The immediate priority was ensuring disengagement from friction points, and this has been fully achieved,” said Jaishankar. He added that discussions for de-escalation, particularly concerning the amassing of troops along the LAC, will be the next step in the bilateral engagement.
The Minister also mentioned his recent meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during which both sides agreed to convene a meeting of special representatives and foreign secretary-level officials to continue discussions on border management.
Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to engaging with China through diplomatic channels to reach a fair and reasonable settlement, while upholding national security interests and focusing on long-term stability in the border regions.
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