India-China Ties Have Witnessed Some Improvements, Says EAM S Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has informed Lok Sabha about the current developments in India-China relations.

While reiterating that India-China relations cannot be normal under an unclear articulated approach, Jaishankar said that India remains committed to a fair and mutually accepted framework for boundary settlement.

He said, “The amassing of troops by China in eastern Ladakh in April-May 2020 resulted in face-offs at a number of points. After the Galwan Valley clashes, we were addressing a situation that not only saw fatalities but events that needed heavy weaponry deployment.”

The diplomatic engagements between India and China are in the direction of “some improvement.”

Jaishankar added, “We remain committed to engaging with China to arrive at a fair and mutually acceptable framework for boundary settlement... The government has maintained that India-China relations cannot be normal in the absence of peace and tranquillity in the border areas, the combination of a firm and principal stance on this situation and the border areas, as well a clearly articulated approach to the totality of our ties.”

“We have been very clear that the restoration of peace and tranquillity will be the basis for the rest of the relationship to move forward,” Jaishankar said.

Jaishakar lauded Indian forces’ efforts in countering Chinese troops despite logistical challenges and the Covid-19 pandemic.