Resolution of Troop Disengagement Issues: India and China Strengthening Ties, Says EAM Jaishankar
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Synopsis
India has resolved troop disengagement issues with China and is now discussing ways to stabilize and enhance their bilateral relationship, as highlighted by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Key discussions include resuming pilgrimages, reinstating flights, and addressing shared river concerns.
Key Takeaways
- Troop disengagement issues have been resolved.
- India and China are aiming for a stable relationship.
- Discussions include pilgrimages and direct flights.
- Shared rivers and other areas of cooperation are being explored.
- Leaders from both countries have met to discuss ties.
London, March 6 (NationPress) After successfully addressing the pressing matters of troop disengagement along the border, India is currently in discussions with China regarding measures to steer their relationship towards a more stable and positive direction, as stated by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar.
Topics under consideration include the resumption of pilgrimages to religious sites under Chinese control, reinstating direct flights between the nations, and facilitating the exchange of journalists, he elaborated on Wednesday during a dialogue about India's ascendance and global role at Chatham House, a British think-tank.
The two nations are also aiming to tackle challenges related to shared rivers, EAM Jaishankar noted.
The mechanism for addressing transborder river issues had been stalled due to the fallout in relations post-2020.
"We are examining this package (and) individuals assigned with that responsibility are communicating with one another," he mentioned.
"It's difficult, you know," he added.
"Naturally, we hope to see it resolved, sooner rather than later. Then we will observe what unfolds."
Relations between these two significant neighbors were strained by China's actions along the Line of Actual Control in 2020, EAM Jaishankar remarked.
Chinese forces engaged Indian troops in the Galwan Valley region, resulting in the deaths of around 20 Indian soldiers and several Chinese personnel during the clashes, leading to a tense standoff and intermittent skirmishes.
These were the first lethal border confrontations in 45 years, and last year both nations initiated measures to mend their ties.
"In October 2024, we successfully addressed many of the urgent matters, particularly those concerning what we refer to as the disengagement of troops who had been stationed at the forefront," EAM Jaishankar stated.
Once that was settled, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China's President Xi Jinping convened in Kazan, Russia, during the BRICS summit last year, and he met Foreign Minister Wang Yi last month in South Africa during another BRICS meeting, EAM Jaishankar reported.
India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri have also made visits to China, he added.
On October 21 of the previous year, Foreign Secretary Misri announced in Delhi that an agreement had been reached between India and China following weeks of negotiations, which would lead to resolving the issues that emerged in 2020.
