India-China relations, which have been “abnormal” since April 2020, when the two militaries clashed in parts of eastern Ladakh, resulting in fatalities on both sides for the first time in 45 years, have recently improved, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told the Lok Sabha Tuesday, explaining that “continuous diplomatic engagement since then (has) set our ties in the direction of some improvement”.
Mr Jaishankar stated that India was committed to engage with China “through bilateral talks to arrive at a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable settlement for the border issue”.
However, given our previous experiences, it is clear that border control would require further attention, he told Parliament. He identified three essential principles that should be followed in all instances.
The Indian Army (EAM) has emphasized the importance of respecting and observing the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the ongoing conflict between India and China. The EAM highlighted the amassing of troops by China along the LAC in eastern Ladakh in April-May 2020, which led to face-offs and disruption of patrolling activities.
Despite logistical challenges and the Covid situation, the armed forces were able to counter-deploy quickly and effectively. A diplomatic effort was also necessary to defuse tensions and restore peace.
This diplomatic effort, which included nearly two dozen rounds of talks between military commanders, led to the October agreement, allowing Indian and Chinese troops to return to positions and resume patrolling routes.
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Source: NDTV
