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The recent disengagement of Indian and Chinese troops at two key friction points in eastern Ladakh, Demchok and Depsang Plains, has been hailed as a positive development in bilateral relations by India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. While acknowledging that progress has been made, Jaishankar emphasizes the need for further steps to normalize relations between the two countries.
The disengagement process, which began with India's verification patrolling at Depsang and Demchok, is widely viewed as a significant step towards resolving the lingering border issues stemming from the 2020 standoff. The situation had escalated with large deployments of Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), prompting India to counter-deploy its own forces, leading to heightened tensions.
The disengagement agreement, reached after numerous rounds of talks, is considered a potential breakthrough in ending the four-year standoff along the LAC. The Galwan Valley clash in June 2020 had severely strained relations between India and China, making disengagement and dialogue crucial steps in restoring normalcy.
Beyond the progress on the border issue, Jaishankar sheds light on India's active engagement in global conflicts. He mentions Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in discussions with leaders of Russia and Ukraine concerning the ongoing war in Ukraine, highlighting India's commitment to a diplomatic resolution. Additionally, Jaishankar reveals India's efforts to prevent further escalation of tensions in the Middle East, though he refrains from disclosing specific details.
Jaishankar's remarks highlight India's nuanced approach to its relations with China while simultaneously emphasizing its active role in promoting peace and diplomacy on the global stage. The progress made on the LAC disengagement provides a glimmer of hope for improved bilateral relations, but further dialogue and constructive engagement remain crucial for resolving outstanding issues and fostering a more stable and cooperative relationship between the two Asian giants.
Source: 'Other steps could happen': EAM Jaishankar on India-China ties after LAC disengagement