New Delhi: India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar recently spoke about the relationship between India and China, emphasizing the need to rebuild ties after years of tension. He pointed out that strained relations benefit neither country and recalled the 2020 Galwan Valley clash as a painful moment that damaged trust. Speaking at an Asia Society event on Wednesday, he stressed that while differences exist, they should be resolved peacefully rather than through conflict.
Jaishankar noted that the Galwan incident not only heightened border tensions but also broke earlier agreements between the two nations. Even now, some issues from that event remain unresolved. He underlined that peace along the border is essential for normal relations in other areas, adding that competition between the two countries doesn’t have to lead to fighting.
There are signs of improvement, though. Since October 2024, talks between Indian and Chinese officials, including multiple meetings with his Chinese counterpart, have hinted at progress. Jaishankar said efforts are underway to repair the damage caused by the 2020 events. After two years of negotiations, an agreement in October 2024 led to both countries pulling back troops from areas like Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh. By October 25, soldiers retreated from other zones too, returning to their pre-April 2020 positions. Both sides have resumed patrolling as before, while military commander-level discussions continue to prevent future flare-ups.
This breakthrough paved the way for a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan, where they agreed to strengthen bilateral ties. The tensions trace back to June 15, 2020, when a violent clash in the Galwan Valley left 20 Indian soldiers dead. It started after China increased its troop presence near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh and attempted incursions. India responded with equal force, and reports suggest over 40 Chinese soldiers were killed in the fierce retaliation by Indian troops.
Jaishankar’s remarks reflect a cautious optimism as both nations work to move past the standoff that has lingered for four years in eastern Ladakh.
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