The disengagement aspect of the “issue” with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh has been addressed, and the emphasis should now shift towards de-escalation, stated External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday.
Jaishankar mentioned that it is “reasonable” to anticipate some improvements in the relations between India and China following the last round of disengagement, but he was cautious to indicate that a reset of ties was imminent. “I view disengagement as purely that; nothing more, nothing less. Observing our present situation with China, we face a situation where our troops are uncomfortably near along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which necessitated the need to disengage,” he remarked during the HT Leadership Summit.
He stated that the agreement reached between India and China on October 21 marked the conclusion of the disengagement process. “Therefore, with its implementation, the disengagement aspect of the issue is now settled,” he noted.
Jaishankar’s comments were made in response to inquiries about whether the troop disengagement by both sides last month could signify the start of a reset in Sino-Indian relations. The external affairs minister asserted that the current state of the relationship does not support such a conclusion.
The Indian and Chinese armed forces completed the disengagement operation in Demchok and Depsang in eastern Ladakh along the LAC last month, following an agreement aimed at addressing the prolonged border dispute. The two sides have also resumed patrolling operations in the two regions after a hiatus of nearly four-and-a-half years.
In his commentary, Jaishankar emphasized that de-escalation should be the subsequent step after completing the disengagement process.
“Where this disengagement leads us, it is reasonable to assume that there will be some enhancement in the relationship,” he stated. Regarding overall India-China relations, Jaishankar examined various elements and described the relationship as “complicated.”
In response to another question about whether the economic and security sectors of the government hold differing views on China, especially since this year’s Economic Survey seemed to advocate for increased economic engagement with the neighboring nation, Jaishankar acknowledged that differing perspectives may exist but emphasized that the overall relationship is guided by a policy decision.
“It is a fair way to interpret it that in any government, different ministries have distinct responsibilities, which consequently leads to varied viewpoints,” he expressed. “You mentioned an Economic Survey. In reality, there would also be a national security survey, which may not be publicly available, that incorporates a national security perspective,” he added.
Jaishankar explained that the external affairs ministry integrates various viewpoints, striving to maintain a balanced approach. “If someone has a specific perspective, we consider that viewpoint. We don’t dismiss it, but ultimately, a viewpoint does not constitute a policy decision,” he remarked.
To a different inquiry, the external affairs minister observed that the global community is observing India’s political stability, particularly at a time when numerous countries around the world are experiencing political unrest.
“During such moments, being elected three consecutive times in a democracy is no minor achievement,” he said, referencing the results of the parliamentary election this year.
On the subject of Republican leader Donald Trump’s win in the US presidential election, Jaishankar remarked that it revealed much about the United States.
The external affairs minister expressed his belief that the US is unlikely to withdraw from global involvement.
“As the leading power, you must maintain engagement with the international community, although the conditions you present will differ from those in the past,” he stated. The minister noted that significant initiatives, such as the India-US project on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), are expected to remain unaffected by any changes in the US government.
“I believe this reflects a long-term trend, and my impression is that if President Trump aims to enhance America’s competitiveness while incorporating a strong focus on business sustainability, such an America will actively seek partners for complementary collaboration,” he added.
Regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict and India’s attempts to broker a peaceful resolution, Jaishankar remarked that a resolution cannot be achieved through military means.
“We have been attempting to engage in discussions sincerely, with the aim of identifying any commonalities or areas of agreement during these talks, which we are willing to share with the other party if they are open to it,” he stated.
“We have not proposed a peace plan, as we believe that is not our role. Our focus is on facilitating a dialogue between these two nations, as ultimately, they need to communicate with one another,” he added.
