India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reported progress in India-China relations post troop disengagement. Key discussions include pilgrimages, direct flights, and journalist exchanges, while efforts are made to resolve issues related to shared rivers. The complex relationship, strained in 2020, has seen recent diplomatic engagements aiming for stability.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has indicated that India and China are in discussions to enhance their bilateral relationship following the resolution of troop disengagement along their shared border. Key topics include resuming pilgrimages to religious sites in China, establishing direct flights, and facilitating the exchange of journalists, as discussed during a recent event at Chatham House.
Moreover, the two nations aim to address issues related to shared rivers, with the mechanism for discussions having lapsed due to tensions that arose after 2020. EAM Jaishankar noted, “We are looking at this package, and people tasked with that mandate are dealing with each other.”
The complicated relationship between India and China deteriorated in 2020 after a confrontation along the Line of Actual Control in the Galwan Valley, resulting in the deaths of approximately 20 Indian soldiers and several Chinese military personnel. EAM Jaishankar reported that urgent issues became manageable by October 2024, leading to diplomatic engagement between the countries, including a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping.
Following the resolution of critical issues, high-level meetings ensued, including talks between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to China. On October 21, 2022, Foreign Secretary Misri announced that an agreement had been reached through negotiations to address the tensions stemming from 2020.
In summary, India and China are making concerted efforts to improve their diplomatic ties after a period of tension. By addressing critical issues, including troop disengagement, transportation, and water resource management, both nations are working towards a more predictable and positive relationship. The ongoing dialogues highlight the importance of diplomacy in resolving regional conflicts.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
