Jaishankar Advocates for Constructive Engagement and De-escalation Along LAC with Wang Yi

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of mutual respect in advancing the de-escalation process along the LAC during discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The talks aim to rebuild relations following a prolonged military standoff.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasised the need for India and China to adopt a candid and constructive approach in their engagement. He stressed that this should be based on mutual respect, sensitivity, and interest. Jaishankar conveyed this message to his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, during a meeting on Monday. The meeting aimed to address the de-escalation process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

Jaishankar's discussions with Wang Yi took place shortly after the Chinese foreign minister arrived in Delhi for a two-day visit. This visit comes just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned trip to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The talks between Jaishankar and Wang covered various topics, including economic and trade issues, pilgrimages, people-to-people contacts, river data sharing, border trade, and connectivity.

Focus on Border De-escalation

The military standoff in eastern Ladakh began in May 2020, with clashes in the Galwan Valley severely straining bilateral ties. Although troops have disengaged from friction points, de-escalation by pulling back frontline forces is still pending. Each side maintains around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the LAC in eastern Ladakh. The completion of disengagement from Demchok and Depsang was finalised last October.

Jaishankar highlighted the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas as a foundation for positive momentum in bilateral relations. He expressed confidence that their discussions would contribute to building a stable and cooperative relationship between India and China. "Had productive conversations on our economic and trade issues, pilgrimages, people-to-people contacts, river data sharing, border trade, connectivity and bilateral exchanges," he said.

Special Representatives Dialogue

The Chinese foreign minister's visit is primarily to hold a fresh round of Special Representatives (SR) dialogue on the boundary question with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. These SR talks are crucial for maintaining peace along the border. Wang Yi and Ajit Doval are designated special representatives for these boundary talks.

In his remarks, Jaishankar also mentioned terrorism as a major priority and reiterated concerns he raised during his visit to Beijing last month. "The fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is another major priority," he stated. The two sides also discussed global issues, seeking a fair and balanced world order with reformed multilateralism.

Efforts to Rebuild Relations

Wang Yi's visit is seen as part of efforts by both nations to rebuild their relationship after tensions following the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020. Initiatives like resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and New Delhi restarting tourist visas for Chinese nationals have been undertaken recently. These steps aim to mend ties strained by past conflicts.

Jaishankar expressed hope that ongoing discussions would lead to a forward-looking relationship that serves both countries' interests. "Confident that our discussions today would contribute to building a stable, cooperative and forward-looking relationship between India and China," he added.

The SR talks will also review the overall situation along the LAC and explore new confidence-building measures. Despite disengagement at some points, full de-escalation remains a priority for both sides. NSA Doval had previously travelled to China in December for SR talks with Wang Yi after Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping agreed to revive dialogue mechanisms.

As India prepares for the SCO summit hosted by China in Tianjin, Jaishankar wished success for the event. "We wish you a successful Summit with strong outcomes and decisions," he remarked. The ongoing dialogue reflects efforts by both nations to address past challenges while seeking common ground for future cooperation.

With inputs from PTI