India and China Explore Path Towards Improved Relations: S. Jaishankar
India is actively working to enhance its relationship with China after resolving troop disengagement issues. Discussions include pilgrimages, direct flights, and journalist exchanges. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of resolving shared river issues and outlined the historical context of strained relations, particularly due to conflicts in 2020. Diplomatic engagements have resumed with key meetings between leaders of both nations.
India, after successfully addressing urgent troop disengagement matters along its border, is now actively pursuing strategies to foster a steady and positive relationship with China. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar indicated that both nations are exploring various initiatives, including the resumption of pilgrimages to religious sites in China, reestablishing direct flights, and fostering journalist exchanges, as he discussed India’s evolving role globally at Chatham House in London.
EAM Jaishankar also highlighted the need to resolve issues related to shared rivers, noting that the mechanism for managing trans-border rivers had been inactive due to strained relations following 2020. He expressed optimism about a negotiated package, stating that “people tasked with that mandate are dealing with each other.” Furthermore, he acknowledged the complexity of these negotiations while conveying a desire for timely progress.
Relations between India and China significantly deteriorated due to confrontations along the Line of Actual Control in 2020, notably with clashes in the Galwan Valley that resulted in numerous casualties on both sides. These incidents marked the first lethal border confrontations in nearly five decades. In efforts to mend ties, significant meetings between Indian and Chinese leadership have taken place since then, including a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping at a BRICS summit.
As of October 2024, vital issues concerning troop disengagement had been settled, allowing diplomatic engagements to progress. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri have engaged in discussions in China, underscoring a commitment to resolution. In October 2021, Foreign Secretary Misri confirmed the ratification of an agreement between the two nations, aimed at addressing the fallout from the events of 2020.
The ongoing dialogue between India and China marks a crucial step towards establishing a more stable and cooperative relationship following significant tensions. Key areas of focus include the resumption of cultural and professional exchanges, as well as resolving shared challenges regarding trans-border rivers. The commitment to constructive engagements reflects both nations’ interests in repairing and rejuvenating their long-standing ties, ultimately aiding regional stability.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
