India, China must move forward on de-escalation, Jaishankar tells Wang
| Topic: GS 2 – International Relations: India and Neighbourhood. |
| Context |
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Background
India-China Relations Post-Galwan (2020): The Galwan clashes led to the deadliest confrontation in 45 years, causing a sharp deterioration in relations. Since then, multiple rounds of military and diplomatic talks have led to disengagement at some friction points, but de-escalation and demobilisation of troops remain pending.
Current Status: Disengagement achieved in Dec 2024 → Peace maintained at LAC.
Area occupied by China after the Galwan Clash:
However, teports following the 2020 standoff estimate Chinese occupation of previously Indian-patrolled territory across several friction zones:
- Depsang region: Around 900 km²
- Pangong Tso area: ~65 km²
- Galwan Valley: ~20 km²
- Hot Springs / Gogra: ~12 km²
- Chushul sector: ~20 km²
- Overall (across multiple points): Estimates range from 1,000 km² to 2,000 km²
Efforts underway to resume trade, religious pilgrimages (Kailash Mansarovar Yatra restarted after 5 years), and high-level visits (NSA, Defence Minister, now EAM).
Key Issues Discussed
- Border Situation: Jaishankar reiterated that full normalisation is not possible without resolving border issues. He urged for the de-escalation of troops, the next step after disengagement. It means that India wants back the land taken in 2020.
- Economic and Trade Ties: India raised concerns over Chinese export restrictions on critical minerals, calling for the removal of barriers and the promotion of trade.
- SCO Cooperation: India emphasised that the SCO’s mandate is to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism and urged for “zero tolerance for terrorism” in the SCO joint statement.
- Geopolitical Dynamics: China highlighted the need for trust, not suspicion, and called for resisting unilateral protectionism and bullying by powerful countries (implied reference to the U.S.).
Significance of the Meeting
- First Visit in 6 Years: Signals a gradual thaw in ties ahead of PM Modi’s visit for the SCO Summit.
- Border Issue Still Central: Despite progress in other areas, LAC tensions remain the biggest hurdle to full normalisation.
- Strategic Messaging: India reinforced its stand on sovereignty and terrorism. China pitched for bilateral cooperation within a changing global order and the Global South narrative.
- Multilateral Context: Positions of India and China at the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meet will influence the joint statement, especially on terrorism.
Challenges Ahead
- Heavy troop deployment continues, creating mistrust.
- Critical mineral export curbs by China and India’s import dependence remain contentious.
- India’s closer ties with the U.S. and the Quad vs. China’s global stance.
- China-Pakistan nexus, particularly on terrorism, remains a concern.
Implications for India’s Foreign Policy
- Act East & Indo-Pacific Strategy: Balancing ties with China while deepening engagement with ASEAN and the Quad.
- Strategic Autonomy: Maintaining issue-based cooperation with China on trade and multilateral forums while safeguarding territorial integrity.
- SCO Role: India will push for a stronger language on terrorism and economic connectivity without compromising sovereignty.
