India seeks a stable relationship with China but insists that its interests be "respected" and its "sensitivities recognized," External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated during a discussion at Chatham House, a British policy institute. He acknowledged that while the relationship has experienced decades of fluctuations, the key challenge lies in maintaining balance as both nations continue to rise.
Looking back over the past 40 years, Jaishankar emphasized that maintaining peace along the border was considered crucial for stronger ties. However, this dynamic shifted significantly in 2020 when a violent clash between Chinese and Indian forces in the Galwan Valley resulted in the deaths of approximately 20 Indian soldiers and multiple Chinese casualties—the most serious border conflict in 45 years.
Diplomatic Strategies for Disengagement
Jaishankar noted that progress has been achieved despite the prevailing tensions. "In October 2024, we were able to resolve many of the urgent issues, the pending issues, pertaining to what we call the disengagement of troops who had been deployed up front," he said. This facilitated high-level engagements, including a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia, during the BRICS Summit. Additionally, Jaishankar met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, while National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri traveled to China.
Path to Normalization
Although troop disengagement marked a significant breakthrough, Jaishankar pointed out that other critical issues remain under discussion. "So, the resumption of pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, the direct flights between the two countries, the journalists' issues—all these are being discussed, but there are some other issues," he said. He highlighted the halted trans-border river cooperation mechanism, which had come to a standstill after 2020. "We are looking at this package... it's hard. You know, obviously, we would like to see it done sooner rather than later. And then we will see what happens."
An Intricate Bond Among Giants
Jaishankar characterized India-China relations as "distinctive" due to their shared history and immense scale. "First, we are the only two countries in the world with over a billion people. Both of us have a long history, with ups and downs over time. Today, both countries are on an upward trajectory; here is the challenge, and we are also direct neighbours. The challenge is that as any country rises, its balance with the world and its neighbours changes. When two countries of this size, history, complexity, and this consequence rise in parallel, they interplay with each other," he said.
Building Stronger Connections Beyond China
Jaishankar is visiting the UK and Ireland from March 4 to 9 to strengthen India's diplomatic ties. His trip focuses on enhancing the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which encompasses trade, defense, security, health, education, and cultural relations.
Meanwhile, as dialogues with China persist, India remains committed to protecting its national interests while striving for a more stable and constructive relationship.
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