By Isha - Oct 03, 2024
India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, voices concerns over China’s border violations, emphasizing China’s lack of commitment to past agreements. The tension along the Line of Actual Control persists as both countries maintain significant military presence. The unresolved Sino-Indian border issue revolves around disputed territories leading to occasional skirmishes despite past peace agreements. India stresses the importance of peace and stability along the LAC through dialogue, while both nations continue to fortify their military positions in the region.
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India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, recently expressed concerns over China’s violations of border agreements, heightening tensions between the two nations. Speaking at various platforms, including interviews and diplomatic forums in September 2024, Jaishankar highlighted that China has not honored several commitments made in previous negotiations. His statements come at a time when the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border between India and China, remains delicate, with both nations continuing to maintain significant military presence. The Sino-Indian border issue has its roots in the disputed territories of Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh, areas claimed by both nations. The conflict escalated into war in 1962, after which China retained control over Aksai Chin, while India maintained its stance on Arunachal Pradesh. Over the years, various agreements, including the 1993 "Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility" and the 2005 "Agreement on Political Parameters," aimed at maintaining peace along the border. However, periodic skirmishes and standoffs have broken out, most notably in 2020, when clashes in the Galwan Valley resulted in casualties on both sides.
Jaishankar reiterated that China's actions along the LAC reflect a lack of commitment to maintaining peace. He emphasized that despite numerous rounds of military and diplomatic talks, China has yet to fully disengage from areas of confrontation along the border, contrary to the understanding reached in previous discussions. Jaishankar accused China of “reneging on border agreements,” pointing out that such behavior has become a pattern in recent years. His comments underscore India’s growing frustration with China’s stance, which has led to a protracted standoff. Jaishankar also mentioned that India remains committed to resolving the border issue through dialogue but stressed that peace and stability along the LAC are non-negotiable. His tone was one of guarded optimism, as he urged China to respect the agreements already in place, warning that continued violation could lead to further escalation.
On the ground, the situation remains tense. Despite various disengagement agreements, both India and China have continued to strengthen their military infrastructure along the LAC. India has increased its presence in the Ladakh region, conducting regular military exercises and upgrading infrastructure to facilitate the quick movement of troops. On the other hand, satellite imagery suggests China has bolstered its positions, building roads, airstrips, and support facilities close to the disputed areas. The continued standoff has impacted broader Indo-China relations. Trade between the two countries remains substantial, but geopolitical tensions have begun to cast a shadow over economic cooperation. India’s government has also tightened scrutiny on Chinese investments and technologies, particularly in critical sectors like telecommunications and infrastructure.