GG News Bureau
New York, 25th Sept. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, addressing an event titled “India, Asia and the World” in New York, said that the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops has overshadowed bilateral relations. For the past four years, New Delhi’s focus has been on disengagement along the border.
Jaishankar remarked that the relationship between India and China is crucial for the future of Asia and will significantly influence global dynamics. “If the world is to be multi-polar, Asia must be multi-polar, and the India-China relationship will shape not only Asia’s future but potentially the world as well,” he said during the event hosted by Asia Society and Asia Society Policy Institute.
India-China Border Issues
Reflecting on the history between the two nations, Dr. Jaishankar described the relationship as complex, citing overlapping peripheries and a shared border. The minister acknowledged that 75% of the disengagement issues had been resolved, but noted that patrolling arrangements remain a sticking point. He explained that after the 2020 Galwan clash, the patrolling mechanisms were disrupted, and both sides have large troop deployments near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
“Much of the disengagement at friction points has been achieved, but patrolling issues need resolution,” Jaishankar stated. He also highlighted that even after disengagement is completed, de-escalation of troop numbers would be the next step, followed by addressing broader relationship challenges.
The Galwan Incident and Future Relations
The 2020 clash, which resulted in casualties on both sides, has cast a long shadow over India-China ties. Jaishankar reiterated that peace and tranquillity along the disputed 3,500 km border remain essential for advancing other aspects of the bilateral relationship. Despite multiple agreements aimed at maintaining peace along the LAC, China violated these in 2020, leading to heightened tensions.
“The focus over the last four years has been on disengagement, ensuring that troops return to their traditional military bases,” Jaishankar said, adding that forward deployments remain an ongoing concern. He stressed that restoring border peace is critical to normalizing broader diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.
Conclusion
The India-China border remains a central issue affecting their bilateral relations. Dr. Jaishankar’s remarks highlight the complexity of managing two rising powers with a long, disputed border. While significant progress has been made in disengagement, unresolved patrolling and de-escalation issues continue to hinder the normalization of relations between the two Asian giants.
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