India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has declared that the country’s relationship with China is not in good shape. During a press conference in Tokyo, Jaishankar attributed the strained relations to the unresolved border dispute that emerged in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. He pointed out that China deployed a large military force to the border areas between India and China, violating existing agreements, leading to tensions and a clash that resulted in casualties on both sides. Jaishankar stated that the situation remains unresolved, contributing to the current state of the relationship. He characterized the relationship as ‘not good, not normal,’ expressing hope for a better future but emphasizing that it hinges on China’s respect for the LoC and past agreements.
In a clear rejection of any third-party mediation, Jaishankar asserted that India is not seeking intervention from other countries in resolving the issue, which he described as a problem or issue between India and China. He maintained that the two nations need to engage in direct dialogue to find a solution. While acknowledging the global interest in the matter, due to the significance of both India and China, Jaishankar reiterated that India is not looking to other countries for a solution. He cited his recent meetings with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Laos and Kazakhstan, where they discussed the need for guidance in completing the disengagement process following the military standoff in eastern Ladakh in May 2020.
Jaishankar’s remarks come amidst the ongoing border row in eastern Ladakh, which entered its fifth year in May. India has consistently maintained that normalizing ties with China necessitates peace in the border regions. The Indian and Chinese militaries have been locked in a standoff since May 2020, despite disengagement efforts in some areas. The situation escalated in June 2020 with a fierce clash in the Galwan Valley, the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades, significantly impacting bilateral relations.
Despite 21 rounds of Corps Commander-level talks to resolve the standoff, a full resolution has yet to be achieved. India has been pressing for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to withdraw from the Depsang and Demchok areas. While the last round of high-level military talks in February did not yield a breakthrough, both sides agreed to maintain peace and tranquility on the ground and continue communication regarding future steps.
Jaishankar’s comments highlight the continued tensions between India and China, emphasizing the need for a direct and peaceful resolution of the border dispute. The absence of a breakthrough despite multiple rounds of talks underscores the complexity of the situation and its potential impact on regional and global stability.
