Jaishankar Hails Military and Diplomatic Efforts in India-China…

The disengagement process between India and China along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh has commenced and is set to conclude by October 29, with patrolling resuming thereafter. External affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar attributed this progress to military efforts and effective diplomacy, highlighting the complexities of negotiations since 2020 amidst a disturbed border situation.

On October 21, external affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar announced significant progress in the disengagement efforts between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, particularly in the regions of Depsang and Demchok. This disengagement process commenced on October 21 and is projected to conclude by October 29. Following this completion, patrolling by both nations is set to resume on October 30-31. In a discussion with students in Pune, Minister Jaishankar emphasized the critical roles played by both military presence and skilled diplomacy in achieving this breakthrough with China. He recounted the recent bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia, where they agreed that the respective foreign ministers and National Security Advisors would convene to strategize further relations. Jaishankar remarked, “If today we have reached where we have… One is because of the very determined effort on our part to stand our ground and make our point. The military was there (at LAC) in very very unimaginable conditions to defend the country, and the military did its part and diplomacy did its part.” He underlined that the Indian government has increased its resources devoted to military capabilities fivefold over the past decade, illustrating significant investment in defense readiness and operational efficacy. Stressing the tumultuous events since 2020, he noted that this period has posed challenges to the India-China relationship, stating, “The border situation was very disturbed since 2020,” which contributed to negative perceptions between the two countries. He disclosed that since September 2020, India has been engaged in negotiations with China regarding a potential resolution to these issues. He elaborated on the pressing need for disengagement given the proximity of troops, hinting at the dangers that such close quarters present. Jaishankar explained that while some consensus had been achieved regarding troop withdrawals post-2020, the primary focus remained on resuming patrolling activities that had been obstructed previously. He indicated that the recent agreement specifically facilitates the resumption of patrolling operations in Depsang and Demchok as they were conducted prior to the escalation of tensions.

The India-China relations have faced strains, particularly since 2020, following confrontations along their shared border, specifically in the Ladakh region. The Line of Actual Control is a contentious and sensitive border area, and negotiations have been ongoing to de-escalate military tensions and restore normalcy. The involvement of military forces and diplomacy has been pivotal in navigating these complexities, particularly as both nations seek to manage their border effectively while re-establishing trust and cooperation.

In summary, the recent disengagement between India and China along the LAC represents a significant diplomatic achievement aided by military readiness. While tensions have disrupted relations since 2020, the resumption of patrolling is a positive step towards rebuilding trust and ensuring stability in the region, fostering hope for a future of constructive dialogue between the two nations.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com