Jaishankar Remarks on Progress in India-China Disengagement Talks
India and China have achieved some progress in disengagement efforts, as stated by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Troop disengagement at Demchok and Depsang Plains has been completed, leading to new patrolling measures. The situation comes after significant military tensions since 2020, particularly since the Galwan Valley clash. An agreement has been reached to facilitate further diplomatic engagement and to resolve outstanding issues.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has indicated that India and China have made “some progress” in their disengagement efforts, which he characterized as a “welcome” development. This statement follows the recent completion of troop disengagement at two critical locations in eastern Ladakh, namely Demchok and Depsang Plains. The Indian Army has commenced verification patrols at Depsang and begun patrolling operations at Demchok. In a dialogue with the Indian diaspora, Mr. Jaishankar remarked, “Our relations were very, very disturbed for reasons all of you know. We have made some progress in what we call disengagement.” He pointed out the significant presence of Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which had not been there prior to 2020, prompting India to bolster its own troop deployments in response. Furthermore, he noted, “There are other aspects of the relationship which also got affected during this period,” highlighting the complex nature of India-China relations. The Minister emphasized the importance of evaluating the trajectory of the relationship post-disengagement, viewing it as an opportunity for potential further diplomatic engagements. Following a recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, there is an expectation for dialogues between respective national security advisors. On October 21, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that an agreement had been finalized between the two nations, aimed at addressing issues stemming from the tensions that arose in 2020 and establishing protocols for patrolling and troop disengagement along the LAC.
The relationship between India and China has been historically fraught, particularly following a tragic clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, which marked the most confrontational military engagement between the two nations in decades. The tensions escalated when China reportedly deployed a large number of troops along the LAC. In response, India began counter-deployment to maintain its territorial integrity. In recent weeks, diplomatic negotiations have progressed towards disengagement to restore peace in the region, culminating in the recent agreement that outlines new protocols for troop movements and patrolling.
In summary, the recent comments by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar signify a cautious optimism regarding India-China relations, following the successful disengagement of troops at critical points in eastern Ladakh. The Minister’s remarks underscore the intricate dynamics at play and the need for ongoing diplomatic dialogue to build a more stable relationship moving forward.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
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