• Source:JND
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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated on Wednesday that relations between India and China have improved since October 2023. Speaking at an event  with Kyung-wha Kang of Asia Society, he emphasised that while both nations compete on various issues, it does not imply inevitable conflict. 

Notably, Jaishankar’s remarks followed the latest round of discussions under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) in Beijing.

Jaishankar underscored the importance of managing differences pragmatically, stating that competition should not escalate into conflict. He highlighted the necessity of restoring peace and stability along the border, as unresolved tensions negatively impact overall bilateral relations. 

“How do we benefit from a tense relationship with a large number of troops stationed at the border in a hostile environment?” he questioned, emphasising the collateral damage to broader diplomatic ties.

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Efforts To Undo 2020 Border Tensions

Jaishankar noted that India and China are actively working to repair the damage caused by the 2020 border standoff. He recalled the historical trajectory of bilateral ties, explaining that after the 1962 war, it took 14 years for India to send back an ambassador and another 12 years for a Prime Minister’s visit. The 1988 understanding laid the foundation for managing boundary disputes while allowing economic and diplomatic ties to grow.

Jaishankar reiterated that the 2020 border standoff significantly strained relations, describing it as a traumatic event. He pointed out that the incident was not only about bloodshed but also about the violation of prior agreements. “It was a sharp and substantial departure from what had been agreed upon,” he said, adding that India had to respond militarily while also pursuing a negotiated resolution. He acknowledged that while issues remain, India is committed to resolving them through dialogue.

Roadmap For Future Engagement

The minister highlighted that both nations will continue to face challenges in the foreseeable future but stressed that 2020 was not the right approach to addressing them. He noted that since October 2023, relations have seen some improvement, with ongoing discussions to rebuild trust. Regular high-level meetings, including his engagements with the Chinese foreign minister, reflect efforts to restore normalcy.

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Agreement On Patrolling Arrangements

India and China reached an agreement in October 2023 on patrolling arrangements in the Depsang Plains and Demchok, two key friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This understanding followed previous disengagements in other eastern Ladakh locations through diplomatic and military-level talks. The breakthrough was reinforced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in October 2024, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to resolving border tensions and maintaining peace.

(With ANI Inputs)