Fair, Mutually Acceptable Framework Needed, Says Jaishankar On Border Issue With China; Highlights Improvement

"Our (India-China) ties have been abnormal since 2020 when peace and tranquillity in the border areas were disturbed as a result of Chinese actions. Recent developments that reflect our continuous diplomatic engagement since then have set our ties in the direction of some improvement," he said while briefing the Lok Sabha on India-China ties.

However, he also firmly mentioned that India-China relations cannot become normal in the absence of a clearly articulated approach. In his speech, the EAM also highlighted that India remains committed to engaging with China to arrive at a fair and mutually acceptable framework for boundary settlement.

"We remain committed to engaging with China to arrive at a fair and mutually acceptable framework for boundary settlement... The government has maintained that India-China relations cannot be normal in the absence of peace and tranquillity in the border areas, the combination of a firm and principal stance on this situation and the border areas, as well a clearly articulated approach to the totality of our ties," Jaishankar said.

"The amassing of troops by China in eastern Ladakh in April-May 2020 resulted in face-offs at a number of points. After the Galwan Valley clashes, we were addressing a situation that not only saw fatalities but events that needed heavy weaponry deployment," he further added.

The union minister also hailed the Indian forces, saying that despite logistical challenges and the Covid pandemic, they countered the Chinese troops rapidly.

ALSO READ | India-China Border Row: Satellite Images Confirm Disengagement In Depsang And Demchok

Reacting to Jaishankar's remarks, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said, "First they said neither has anyone entered (from the border), nor has anything happened, and then saying that a resolution has taken place, the hypocrisy us clearly visible. Whenever we have taken decisive steps or hoped for cooperation, we have seen lapses on China's end. The hand for friendship should be extended cautiously. The most important part is, as I have written to the MEA, I am hopeful that they will hold discussion on the issue."

India-China disengagement: A major step

In a major step towards thawing diplomatic relations between India and China, the two countries announced disengagement along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh in October this year. The two friction points across the LAC included Demchok and Depsang Plains in eastern Ladakh.

It was assured that once the process of disengagement was completed, the two countries, which are now working towards resolving the long-standing border dispute, would work towards de-escalation.

Satellite images confirmed disengagement

Within days since the announcement of a new patrolling arrangement with China, newly emerged satellite images provided by US-based Maxar Technologies confirmed initial disengagement activities in Depsang and Demchok of Eastern Ladakh in October.

Removal of a large shelter that was visible since the standoff days in the Depsang area near Patrol Point 10 came as the biggest confirmation of the initial disengagement.

A view from a different location in Depsang also revealed that most structures at a military outpost were removed. A comparison with an earlier image of the same location confirmed the removal.

ALSO READ | After Disengagement Along LAC, India-China To Work Towards De-Escalation

The Sino-India conflict in 2020

Back in May 2020, the massive Sino-India border standoff initiated which eventually escalated to a violent clash in Galwan Valley in June leading to several casualties on both sides.

In a bid to resolve the political dispute involving the two neighbouring nations, several rounds of military dialogues have taken place concerning troop repositioning, and partial withdrawals.

Since the onset of the standoff, the Indian forces have been restricted near the ‘Y Junction’ in Depsang, preventing access to patrolling points (PPs) 10 to 13, marking the Line of Actual Control (LAC) claimed by India.

For the logest time, Eastern Ladakh's Depsang and Demchok continued to be unresolved areas. According to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Indian and Chinese soldiers will now be able to resume patrolling like earlier.