Relations with China can’t be normal until LAC disengagement: Jaishankar

There can be no normalization of India-China relations until the troops amassed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) are withdrawn, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Delhi on Friday during talks that ended without a joint statement or agreement on how to proceed. 

He also voiced concern about a comment made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a recent Organization of Islamic Cooperation session on the topic of Jammu and Kashmir (OIC). “I explained to him why we thought that statement offensive,” he continued. It was a lengthy discussion. I emphasised our expectation that China will pursue an autonomous foreign policy unaffected by anything.” 

Mr. Wang, who came to Delhi on Thursday and attended an hour-long bilateral meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday morning, held three-hour-long bilateral meetings with Mr. Jaishankar before departing for Kathmandu. 

Dr Jaishankar stated shortly after the meeting, “We met for around three hours and tackled a broad substantive agenda in an open and forthright manner.” We discussed the deterioration of our bilateral relations as a result of Chinese measures in April 2020.” 

In response to a journalist’s question on Quad, he stated that there was no mention of Quad. “The Indo-Pacific was not discussed in the same way as the quad,” he explained. 

Need to strengthen ties 

Dr Jaishankar also expressed concern over India’s present ties with China. When asked if everything was fine between India and China, he responded, “No, our relationship is not normal, considering the presence of a large number of troops in violation of the 1993-96 agreements.” 

“As long as there are massive deployments, the border situation will remain abnormal. We continue to have friction points, but have made headway in addressing some of them, particularly Pangong Tso. Today’s conversation was on how to proceed,” he continued. 

Dr. Jaishankar stated, “The current scenario is a ‘Work in Progress,’ obviously at a slower rate than desired…This must be advanced, as completion of the disengagement is required for disengagement.” 

The two also emphasized the importance of continuing productive diplomatic and military interactions in order to restore peace and quiet, according to sources. Both nations agreed that efforts must be taken to ensure that their actions do not jeopardise the spirit of equality and mutual security. 

Permit Indian students to return 

Additionally, the panel discussed Indian students enrolling in Chinese universities. “I also raised the plight of Indian students studying in China who have been barred from returning due to COVID restrictions. We hope China will adopt an unbiased stance, as this issue affects the futures of many young people,” Dr. Jaishankar added. 

Following an extended stalemate, the visit might be viewed as a means of rekindling the physical connection. Wang Yi is set to fly to Nepal later today, following a visit to Pakistan and Afghanistan. 

Published By : Revathy G Sanal

Edited By : Subbuthai Padma