Serene borders are a pre-requisite for building bilateral ties with China and the two side will be discussing de-escalation and effective management of activities in these areas in the coming days, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said today while making a statement on India-China relations in the Rajya Sabha.
A brief uproar was also witnessed following the statement and Opposition MPs walked out of the House after Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, disallowed them from seeking some clarifications.
Jaishankar was making a statement on "Recent Developments in India's Relations with China" as well. He said that disengagement has now been achieved in full in eastern Ladakh through a step-by-step process culminating in Depsang and Demchok. He made an identical statement in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
Jaishankar, in his statement said India was and remains very clear that the three key principles must be observed in all circumstances, he said explaining: "one: both sides should strictly respect and observe the Line of Actual Control (LAC), two: neither side should attempt to unilaterally alter the status quo, and three: agreements and understandings reached in the past must be fully abided by in their entirety".
"Our relationship had gone a long way in all fronts, but was, of course, adversely impacted by what recently transpired. We are very clear that holding back the peace and calm environment in border areas is a pre-requisite for the progress in our relations. And on both de-escalation and how we manage our activities across the border, we would have discussions in the next couple of days," he added.
Now, said with the disengagement phase task already completed, expectations are high for beginning discussions regarding what remains, which we ourselves had placed on the agenda.
"With the disengagement phase now behind us, this provides the avenue for weighing our overall bilateral engagement through a measured approach, making sure at every juncture, national security interests remain ahead of every concern," he explained.
Jaishankar's detailed statement came weeks after Indian and Chinese militaries completed the disengagement of troops from two last face-off points in eastern Ladakh, effectively ending the over four-year military face-off along the LAC in eastern Ladakh.
"The next priority will be to consider de-escalation, that would address the massing of troops along the LAC with associated accompaniments," he said.
Opposition leaders soon wanted some clarifications from the minister, but that was disallowed by the Chair and there followed a brief ruckus in the House.
"Time and again, I have invited your attention, indulgence, that we are being watched by the entire nation and our demeanour is causing a serious dilution of the institution, an institution meant for debate is not having it, therefore getting into irrelevance," Dhankhar said as Opposition members demanded that the minister answer their questions.
"The rule on a statement is explicit. The Minister. has taken the House in confidence. He could be as exhaustive as possible," he said.
Opposition MPs then walked out of the Houe in protest. The House then took up discussion on The Boilers Bill.
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