Troop disengagement issue resolved, India discussing putting ties on stable, positive course with China, Says EAM Jaishankar

Having addressed the immediate problem of troop disengagement on the border, India is now in talks with China to place bilateral relations on a more stable and positive path, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar said.

Speaking at Chatham House, a British think tank, on Wednesday, Jaishankar disclosed that negotiations are under way on reviving pilgrimages to religious shrines under Chinese administration, re-establishing direct flights between the two countries, and opening up the exchange of journalists.

Besides, both countries are seeking solutions for other issues of vital importance, including trans-border rivers common to them. The process of dealing with these issues had remained dormant after ties deteriorated in 2020. "We are considering this package, and those who have the mandate are in talks," Jaishankar said. But he conceded the difficulty of the negotiations, adding, "It's difficult, you know. Clearly, we would want to get it done earlier rather than later. And then we will see what transpires."

Relations between India and China were severely impacted in 2020 due to tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The violent Galwan Valley clash resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and several Chinese troops, marking the first deadly border confrontation between the two countries in 45 years.

Jaishankar highlighted that significant progress was made last year in restoring ties. "In October 2024, we were in a position to address most of the immediate and pending matters pertaining to troops' disengagement deployed at the forefront," he added. Subsequently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. Jaishankar himself had a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi last month at another BRICS event in South Africa.

More diplomatic interactions have included delegations of India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visiting China. Foreign Secretary Misri, on October 21, 2024, declared in Delhi that the agreement had been completed between India and China following weeks of talks, which were directed towards addressing the problems arising from the 2020 standoff.

With these continued talks, both countries are now striving towards a more predictable and constructive relationship, with a close eye on future events.