External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar (file photo)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said that the withdrawal of troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh has been completed. Now the emphasis should be on reducing the tension between the two countries. He made this comment at the HT Leadership Summit. Jaishankar saw this military withdrawal as a mere retreat and refused to accept it as a sign of a return to the old form of bilateral relations. He said that it is reasonable to expect some improvement in relations after the withdrawal of troops.
Last month, an agreement was reached between India and China for the withdrawal of troops from Demchuk and Depsang areas. After more than four years of conflict, both sides have also resumed patrolling activities. Jaishankar said that this process has also been completed with the final agreement between the two countries on October 21. He further said that reducing tension on the Line of Actual Control should be the next important step.
What did Jaishankar say about India and China?
Regarding India-China relations, Jaishankar said that the relationship between the two countries depends on many factors. In response to a question, he said that different branches of the government may have different views on China, but the Ministry of External Affairs formulates policy balancing all views. However, he also said that it would not be appropriate to consider any approach as a policy decision.
Not only this, Jaishankar also spoke on India-US relations. He said that projects like the India-US Initiative related to important and emerging technologies are unlikely to be affected by the new US government. He said that the United States, which is the number one power in the world, has to be globally connected. However, his preferences and circumstances may change.
The only permanent solution to the Russia-Ukraine war is through negotiations
Jaishankar clarified India’s position on the Russia-Ukraine dispute. He said that a solution cannot be found on the battlefield and India is trying for an amicable dialogue between the two sides. He also said that India’s aim is to bring the two countries on a platform for dialogue as dialogue is the only way to find a lasting solution.
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