In a recent address at the ‘India, Asia and the World’ event in New York, India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, provided insights into the current state of India-China relations, emphasizing the significance of this relationship for Asia and the world at large.
Key Points from S Jaishankar’s Address:
1. Global Significance:
Dr Jaishankar underscored the importance of India-China relations, stating, “I think the India-China relationship is key to the future of Asia. In a way, you can say that if the world is to be multi-polar, Asia has to be multi-polar. And therefore this relationship will influence not just the future of Asia, but in that way, perhaps the future of the world as well.”
2. Historical Context:
The minister acknowledged the “difficult history” between the two nations, highlighting their unique position as billion-plus population countries with overlapping peripheries and a common border.
3. Border Disengagement:
Referring to recent progress, Dr Jaishankar mentioned, “When I said 75 per cent of it has been sorted out – I was asked in a way to quantify – it’s only of the disengagement. So that’s one part of the problem. The main issue right now is the patrolling.”
4. Patrolling Issues:
He elaborated on the challenges post-2020: “You know, how do we, both of us, patrol up to the Line of Actual Control.” The minister noted that while much of the disengagement has been sorted out, patrolling issues remain unresolved.
5. De-escalation:
Beyond disengagement, Dr Jaishankar pointed out the need for de-escalation, given the large number of troops deployed by both sides at the border.
6. Border Dispute:
“The entire 3500 kilometre-border between India and China is disputed,” the minister stated, emphasizing the need to maintain peace along the border to allow other aspects of the relationship to progress.
7. 2020 Galwan Incident:
He recounted the events of 2020, saying, “Now the problem was in 2020, despite these very explicit agreements, we saw that the Chinese – we were all in the middle of Covid at that time – moved a large number of forces in violation of these agreements to the Line of Actual Control. And we responded in kind.”
8. Impact on Relations:
The minister acknowledged the profound impact of the Galwan clash on bilateral relations: “So there was a clash, and several troops died on either side, and that has since, in a sense, overshadowed the relationship. So until we can restore peace and tranquillity on the border and ensure the agreements signed up to are adhered to, it’s difficult to carry on with the rest of the relationship.”
9. Current Focus:
The foreign minister also outlined the priority for the past four years: “The focus for the last four years had been to at least disengage the troops, meaning that they go back to the camp, the military bases from which they traditionally operate. Because right now, both sides have troops deployed forward.”
In conclusion, Dr Jaishankar’s remarks provide a comprehensive overview of the complex dynamics shaping India-China relations. While progress has been made in certain areas, particularly in disengagement, significant challenges remain. The minister’s emphasis on the global implications of this bilateral relationship underscores its importance not just for the two nations involved, but for regional and global stability.
