S.Jaishankar Addresses Complexities In India-China Relations Following Recent Disengagement Talks

In a recent statement, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar addressed the ongoing disengagement between India and China, particularly in the sensitive regions of Depsang and Demchok. He emphasized that the disengagement agreements finalized on October 21 represent a critical step toward reducing tensions that escalated following the 2020 skirmishes. Dr. Jaishankar highlighted that the primary objective has been to separate troops stationed along the Line of Actual Control (LoC) and to resume patrolling activities, marking the conclusion of the disengagement phase. However, he acknowledged that the next crucial step is de-escalation, which involves addressing the military build-up along the LoC. During a recent bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, it was agreed that their Foreign Ministers and National Security Advisors would engage in further discussions. Dr. Jaishankar remarked on the complexity of managing relations between the two most populous nations, which have both experienced significant growth concurrently. He pointed out the challenges of establishing equilibrium at the border and fostering collaboration on other global issues, indicating that a thoughtful approach is necessary to navigate the intricate dynamics at play in Indo-China relations.