In a heart to heart talk with the Indian diaspora in Malaysia, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar accentuated the significance of securing Bharat’s borders as a top priority. He emphasized that ensuring the traditional deployment of troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China is crucial for creating normalcy in bilateral relations. Jaishankar asserted, “My first duty to Indians is to secure the border. I can never compromise on that.”
Jaishankar acknowledged the desire for better relations with neighbouring nations, including China, but stressed such relationships must be founded on certain principles. He elucidated maintaining normalcy in troop deployment along the LAC serves as the basis for future relations with Beijing. He mentioned ongoing negotiations with China, both at the diplomatic and military levels, to restore this normalcy.
Highlighting the historical context, Jaishankar noted despite the boundary clash, Bharat and China had built a substantial relationship since the late 1980s. This was facilitated by agreements to refrain from deploying large numbers of troops along the border, thus preventing violence and bloodshed. These agreements provided stability to the relationship, enabling progress in other areas.
However, Jaishankar criticised the breach of these agreements, leading to violence and bloodshed in the Galwan Valley. The deadly clash in June 2020 marked the most serious military conflict between Bharat and China in over four decades. The breach of agreements disrupted the stability that had been maintained for years, resulting in a significant deterioration of bilateral ties.
The minister outlined the need for clarity on the reasons behind the breakdown of agreements in 2020. He stressed upon the importance of adhering to established protocols and restoring the previous understanding to avoid further escalation of tensions between the two countries. Jaishankar reiterated Bharat’s commitment to resolving the boundary dispute with China through negotiations while upholding peace and stability along the LAC.
In conclusion, Jaishankar’s remarks shed light on Bharat’s stance regarding its relationship with China and the imperative of restoring normalcy in bilateral ties through the traditional deployment of troops along the LAC. As negotiations continue between the two countries, Bharat remains committed to securing its borders while seeking peaceful resolution of disputes with its neighbor.
