In an address at the NDTV World Summit, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar acknowledged the complex relationship between India and China, highlighting unresolved boundary issues that have historically strained ties between the two nations. As both countries experience simultaneous economic growth, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of managing this “double rise” through skillful diplomacy.
Jaishankar remarked, “India and China are the only two countries with populations exceeding a billion, and both are on tracks of economic recovery. Any predictions about the developments of this century must include these two countries.” He added that the proximity of these large neighbors brings unique challenges, particularly in light of their unresolved border disputes.
Despite the ongoing tensions, Jaishankar noted a positive development: an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which could help restore the situation to what it was prior to May 2020, when border clashes erupted in eastern Ladakh. “We have reached an understanding that allows for patrolling similar to what was done in 2020,” he said, describing this progress as a product of patient diplomacy initiated in September 2020.
He also referenced Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s remarks on the agreement, indicating that it could lead to a de-escalation of tensions and a path toward resolving lingering issues stemming from the 2020 conflict. “The actions of the Chinese military back then placed our bilateral relationship under exceptional stress,” Jaishankar stated.
In conjunction with these diplomatic developments, PM Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24. The summit, themed “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security,” presents an opportunity for Modi to engage with other world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping. While details of any potential bilateral meetings between Modi and Xi remain unclear, the recent agreement on patrolling arrangements may pave the way for direct discussions.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that ongoing dialogues, including military-level discussions, have led to a constructive exchange of views aimed at narrowing differences along the LAC. “We have agreed to jointly uphold peace and tranquility along the border in accordance with bilateral agreements,” the MEA stated.
