India and China Aim for Positive Relations After Border Disputes

India is in discussions with China to improve bilateral relations after resolving troop disengagement along the border. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the potential for resuming pilgrimages, direct flights, and journalist exchanges. Additionally, dialogues about shared rivers are underway, aiming for a more stable relationship following previous tensions and clashes.

India is actively engaging in discussions with China to establish a more stable and positive bilateral relationship, according to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Following the resolution of urgent troop disengagement issues along the border, the two nations are exploring measures such as resuming pilgrimages to religious sites controlled by China, restoring direct flights between them, and facilitating the exchange of journalists.

EAM Jaishankar noted the need to address other significant concerns, including matters related to their shared rivers. The dialogue aimed at resolving issues regarding trans-border rivers had been halted due to the strained relations following events in 2020. Jaishankar stated, “We are looking at this package (and) people tasked with that mandate are dealing with each other.”

In 2020, tensions between the two countries escalated dramatically when Chinese forces engaged Indian troops in the Galwan Valley, resulting in the death of approximately 20 Indian soldiers and several Chinese personnel. These incidents marked the first lethal confrontations in 45 years. Subsequently, in October 2024, India managed to address the urgent issues associated with troop disengagement, permitting leaders from both sides to meet and further discussions to proceed.

EAM Jaishankar highlighted the importance of dialogue, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping had met in Kazan and that he had discussions with Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Moreover, India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri have visited China to enhance negotiations. An agreement finalizing the resolution of issues resulting from the 2020 clashes was confirmed by Foreign Secretary Misri in October 2023.

In conclusion, India and China are making concerted efforts to stabilize their relationship after significant disruptions in 2020. With important discussions on various fronts, including travel and shared resources, both nations aim to foster a more predictable diplomatic environment. The dialogue has resumed following the resolutions of troop disengagement, and further high-level engagements signify a commitment to addressing outstanding issues.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com