In a conversation with French Ambassador Jean-David Levitte at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, Union Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar pointed out the strained relationship between India and China, referring to the 2020 Galwan Valley clash as a significant breach of “multiple agreements”. He acknowledged that both nations made considerable progress in disengagement talks but stressed that re-establishing peace and tranquility is essential before considering other opportunities. 

Line of Actual Control (LAC) dispute  

The main source of tension is the ill-defined, approximately 3,500 km (2,100-mile) long border, known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC) which led to several military conflicts, including the 1962 Sino-Indian War. 

The aftermath of the Galwan Valley clashes in June 2020 had significant and far-reaching impacts on India-China relations. The clash resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and an undisclosed amount of Chinese troops. This was the first time in 45 years that casualties occurred along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). 

“What happened in 2020 was a violation of multiple agreements for some reason which is not entirely clear to us, we can speculate on it… The Chinese moved a very large number of troops to the Line of Actual Control at the border and naturally in response, we moved our troops up. It was very difficult for us because we were in the middle of a Covid lockdown at that time.”

Union Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar

Regarding disengagement talks, Jaishankar said, “Some progress was made on border talks with China. 75 percent of disengagement problems are sorted out. We still have some things to do.” He had said.  

“In the meanwhile, after the clash, it has affected the entirety of the relationship because you cannot have violence at the border and then say the rest of the relationship is insulated from it.”, he further added.

The incident led to a prolonged military standoff, with both sides increasing their troop deployments along the LAC. This resulted in heightened tension and increase to the risk of further conflicts. 

Following the clash, there were multiple rounds of military and diplomatic talks aimed at de-escalation and disengagement.  

Both India and China have fortified their positions along the LAC, with increased infrastructure development and military presence. 

“We have now been negotiating close to four years and the first step of that is what we called disengagement which is their troops go back to their normal operating bases and our troops go back to their normal operating bases and where required we have an arrangement about patrolling because both of us patrol regularly in that border as I said it is not a legally delineated border.” Jaishankar further added. 

The clash has led to a strategic reassessment in India, with increased focus on strengthening border infrastructure and enhancing military capabilities. 

Both nations are major regional powers with growing economic and military capabilities, making their relationship crucial for regional stability.

Jaishankar noted that negotiations are underway to find a solution to the remaining issues. He expressed hope that resolving these problems could lead to a return to peace and tranquility, which would allow for the exploration of other possibilities in the bilateral relationship.

He indicated that while some progress has been made, there is still work to be done. The minister reiterated that normalizing relations with China is contingent on achieving peace at the border.

Ajit Doval’s meeting with Wang Yi

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval recently met with Chinese FM, Wang Yi, on the sidelines of the BRICS National Security Advisers meeting in St. Petersburg, Russia.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both sides agreed to finding a resolution to the ongoing issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). They emphasized that it is important to create stable conditions to nurture bilateral relations.

Doval underscored the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as a prerequisite for normalizing bilateral relations. He stressed that both countries must adhere to the agreements and protocols established over the years.

Both sides agreed to work with urgency and redouble their efforts to realize complete disengagement in the remaining areas. NSA conveyed that peace and tranquility in the border areas and respect for LAC are essential for normalcy in bilateral relations.

The discussions are seen as a positive step towards de-escalating tensions and enhancing dialogue between the two nations. This meeting could pave the way for a structured dialogue between the Indian Prime Minister and the Chinese President if suitable conditions are created through the resolution of remaining issues along the LAC.