S. Jaishankar: Proximity of Indo-Chinese Troops in Critical Areas Rendering Situation in Ladakh “very fragile and dangerous”
S. Jaishankar, the Indian External Affairs Minister, has voiced his worries about the escalating tensions at the Himalayan border and the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh
New Delhi: S Jaishankar, the Indian External Affairs Minister, expressed his concern over the fragile and perilous situation in Ladakh, where Indian and Chinese troops are deployed in close proximity. He was speaking at a media event in New Delhi and asserted that normalcy in India-China ties can only be restored when all outstanding border issues are settled as per the agreement reached in September 2020.
The agreement followed the violent clash in Galwan Valley in June 2020, which resulted in the death of around 20 Indian soldiers and an undisclosed number of Chinese casualties. It was the worst incident along the disputed border in four decades. The agreement outlined a five-point plan to de-escalate and disengage from the friction points. However, the tensions persisted as another skirmish took place near Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh in December 2022. India accused China of attempting to alter the status quo unilaterally.
We have made it very clear to the Chinese that we cannot have a breach of peace and tranquility, you can’t violate agreement and want the rest of the relationship to continue as though nothing happened. That’s just not tenable
by S.Jaishankar
India and China have been engaged in several rounds of talks at the Corps Commander-level to resolve the dispute. Jaishankar said that China has to honour its commitments and implement what was agreed upon. He said that some areas have seen disengagement, but others remain unresolved. He emphasised that peace and tranquility cannot be breached and agreements cannot be violated while expecting normal relations with India.
S Jaishankar mentioned that he had discussed border issues with the new Chinese foreign minister, Qin Gang, during their recent meeting. Qin had come to India for the G20 foreign ministers meeting that was hosted by New Delhi.
