India-China Disengagement Process Declared Complete by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar
On October 30, 2023, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar confirmed the completion of the India-China disengagement process along the Line of Actual Control, indicating a return to the pre-May 2020 status. The statement followed ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving tensions that escalated after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar announced that India and China have completed their disengagement process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), restoring the situation to its status quo prior to May 2020. Dr. Jaishankar emphasized that India’s diplomatic relations with China would only return to normal once the de-facto border conditions were consistent with those present in 2020. The relations between India and China soured significantly due to China’s aggressive maneuvers in April-May 2020, leading to the tragic loss of 20 Indian soldiers during a confrontation in the Galwan Valley. Since then, several diplomatic and military talks have been conducted, At a recent event, Dr. Jaishankar elaborated on the development, stating, “What the Foreign Secretary has said is what I can also say, that we reached an agreement on patrolling and with that we have gone back to where the situation was in 2020. We can say that the disengagement process with China has been completed… There are areas which for various reasons after 2020… because they had blocked us so we had blocked them. So what has happened is we have reached an understanding which will allow the patrolling.” He further described the achievement as a result of “very patient and persevering diplomacy.” Additionally, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reinforced this development by stating, “an agreement has been arrived at on patrolling arrangements along the line of actual control in the India-China border areas, and this is leading to disengagement and eventually a resolution of the issues that had arisen in these areas in 2020.”
The India-China border situation has historically been contentious, particularly since the border skirmish in Galwan Valley in June 2020, which resulted in significant casualties on both sides. After that altercation, India adopted a strategic approach aimed at restoring stability and peace along the LAC. The government has prioritized finding a diplomatic solution to the rising tensions through numerous rounds of negotiations between military commanders and diplomatic channels. Understanding the complex dynamics of these bilateral relations is essential to grasp the significance of the recent announcement by Dr. Jaishankar.
In summary, the announcement by Dr. S. Jaishankar marks a significant milestone in the process of disengagement between India and China along the LAC. By declaring that the situation has returned to that of 2020, India aims to stabilize its border relations with China and facilitate normal diplomatic interactions. The completion of this disengagement, following extensive negotiations and discussions, reflects India’s commitment to peace and security in the border areas.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
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