Against the backdrop of the prolonged border dispute with China in eastern Ladakh spanning nearly four years, S Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister, emphasized on Monday that the tension witnessed during this period has been detrimental to both countries.
Jaishankar underscored India's unwavering commitment to seeking a fair and reasonable resolution that respects agreements and acknowledges the Line of Actual Control.
Speaking at a panel discussion in New Delhi, Jaishankar addressed various aspects ranging from the dynamics of diplomacy to the shifting global order. He also engaged with a diverse audience comprising diplomats, business leaders, academics, journalists, and foreign policy enthusiasts.
Regarding past offers from China to resolve the border issue and the potential for a resolution, Jaishankar stressed the necessity for all parties involved in boundary negotiations to believe in the possibility of a solution. He emphasized that the validity of a boundary solution isn't contingent upon political majority but rather on the fairness of the deal itself.
Responding to queries about the India-China relationship, Jaishankar highlighted the mutual interest in reducing military presence along the Line of Actual Control and honoring signed agreements. He reiterated the belief that resolving tensions promptly would benefit both nations, emphasizing the importance of respecting existing agreements and maintaining the status quo.
The standoff in eastern Ladakh began in May 2020 after a violent clash in the Pangong Lake area, followed by a significant escalation in June with the clash in the Galwan Valley.
Despite recent high-level military talks aimed at de-escalating tensions, there has been no significant breakthrough in resolving the border dispute.
On the topic of India-Pakistan relations, Jaishankar reiterated India's willingness to engage in dialogue but stressed that terrorism must be a central focus of any conversation. He dismissed the notion of engaging with the Pakistani military as a separate entity, emphasizing the need for comprehensive discussions addressing key issues.
Addressing concerns about India's impact on Russia's policy towards China, Jaishankar emphasized that any perceived correlation was not India's doing. He maintained that India's policy towards Russia has been fair and objective.
Regarding the situation in Myanmar, Jaishankar expressed concern about the lack of central authority and the potential for various illegal activities to thrive in such an environment, impacting neighboring countries like India.
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