External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced on Thursday that approximately 75% of the disengagement issues with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh have been resolved. Speaking at Switzerland’s Global Centre for Security Policy, Jaishankar emphasized that while significant progress has been made, the challenge of increasing militarization of the border remains.
Background of Border Tensions
The border tensions between India and China escalated in June 2020 following a violent clash in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley, resulting in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers. Since the confrontation, both nations have engaged in multiple rounds of military and diplomatic talks to address the standoff.
Current Negotiations
Jaishankar reiterated that negotiations to resolve the military standoff are ongoing. He noted that while disengagement has been partially achieved, the increasing militarization of the border is a major concern. He highlighted that the violence at the border has impacted the overall bilateral relationship between India and China.
Jaishankar expressed hope that resolving the disengagement issues could lead to a return to peace and improved relations. He stressed the importance of both nations withdrawing troops to their normal bases and establishing patrol arrangements where necessary.
Recent Diplomatic Efforts
On the same day, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a BRICS meeting in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The meeting aimed to review recent efforts to resolve remaining issues along the LAC and to stabilize and rebuild bilateral relations.
The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement indicating that both sides agreed to expedite efforts for complete disengagement in remaining areas. The statement underscored the necessity of peace, tranquility in border areas, and respect for the LAC to normalize bilateral relations.
The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to abiding by previous bilateral agreements and understanding the significance of their relationship for regional and global stability.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What percentage of the disengagement issues between India and China has been resolved according to S. Jaishankar?
- A) 50%
- B) 75%
- C) 85%
- D) 100%
- What major event triggered the increase in border tensions between India and China in June 2020?
- A) A trade dispute
- B) A violent clash in Galwan Valley
- C) A diplomatic row
- D) A natural disaster
- What is the primary concern highlighted by Jaishankar regarding the current state of the border?
- A) Economic impact
- B) Increasing militarization
- C) Diplomatic relations
- D) Trade barriers
- What recent diplomatic event took place involving National Security Advisor Ajit Doval?
- A) Meeting with the Indian Prime Minister
- B) Meeting with Wang Yi at a BRICS meeting
- C) Meeting with the UN Secretary-General
- D) Meeting with the European Union representatives
- What did the Ministry of External Affairs statement emphasize regarding the India-China relationship?
- A) Focus on economic sanctions
- B) Importance of bilateral agreements and stability
- C) Need for military intervention
- D) Prioritizing trade negotiations