Jaishankar Highlights De-escalation Talks with China, Stresses Border Peace for Ties

New Delhi,

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the Rajya Sabha on India’s recent developments with China, emphasizing the completion of disengagement in Eastern Ladakh.

 He stated that the disengagement, which included areas like Depsang and Demchok, has been achieved step-by-step and paved the way for further bilateral talks.

Jaishankar also referred to the 2020 friction points in Galwan Valley and Pangong Tso, where buffer zones were created to prevent future clashes. He stressed that while temporary measures were taken, both sides were committed to ensuring national security and could revisit these steps if necessary.

In his statement, Jaishankar outlined that peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is essential for the development of India-China relations. He noted that the improvements in border infrastructure, including roads, tunnels, and bridges, have been instrumental in ensuring effective deployment and counter-deployment of troops.

The minister also mentioned that India and China would soon begin discussions on de-escalation and management of border activities, following talks between Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Despite the focus on national security, Jaishankar’s remarks sparked an uproar in the Rajya Sabha, with Opposition MPs walking out after being denied the opportunity to ask clarifications.