India is focused on building a stable relationship with China after resolving troop disengagement issues along the border, as stated by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Discussions include resuming pilgrimages, direct flights, and journalistic exchanges while addressing shared river disputes. Following 2020 border clashes, India has engaged in significant diplomatic efforts, indicating a move towards improved relations between the two countries.
India and China are currently engaged in discussions aimed at stabilizing and positively advancing their bilateral relationship, following the resolution of critical border troop disengagement issues, as stated by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. He highlighted several initiatives under review, which include resuming pilgrimages to religious locations in China’s possession, reestablishing direct flights, and facilitating the exchange of journalists. Jaishankar emphasized the mutual interest in resolving shared river issues, noting that discussions had been stalled since relations soured in 2020.
The talks revolve around a comprehensive package to address various matters, with designated teams collaborating to explore solutions. Jaishankar remarked on the complexity of these negotiations, expressing a desire for quicker resolutions, while acknowledging the need to wait for the outcomes. He pointed out that relations were strained due to significant border clashes in 2020, notably the Galwan Valley incident, which resulted in fatalities on both sides and marked the first violent confrontations in 45 years.
In October 2024, the two nations managed to handle many pressing issues concerning troop disengagement, which facilitated diplomatic interactions, including Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with President Xi Jinping during the BRICS summit in Russia. Further engagements included Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s meeting with Jaishankar in South Africa and visits by India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to China, reinforcing continued efforts for diplomatic resolution.
It was noted that Foreign Secretary Misri had confirmed a finalized agreement in October 2023 that aims to address the issues stemming from the 2020 clashes, indicating positive steps taken toward improving relations between the two neighboring powers.
In summary, India and China are collaboratively working towards repairing and enhancing their diplomatic relationship after significant border tensions in 2020. Key discussions focus on troop disengagement, travel and communication facilitation, and shared river management, indicating a cautious yet positive approach to resolve longstanding disputes. Continuous high-level dialogues suggest a commitment from both nations to foster stability and cooperation moving forward.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
