'LAC Doesn't Have A Common Understanding In Some Areas': EAM S Jaishankar In Lok Sabha

EAM S Jaishankar praised Indian armed forces for their rapid and effective response near LAC despite logistical challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar speaks in the Lok Sabha during the Winter session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024.

Source : PTI

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, addressing the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, said India-China relations have been "abnormal" since 2020, citing disruptions in peace and tranquillity in border areas due to Chinese actions. In the Lok Sabha, EAM highlighted the ongoing diplomatic efforts to address these challenges and improve ties. He emphasised that India remains committed to resolving the boundary issue through bilateral discussions to establish a fair and mutually acceptable framework. 

"While there is a Line of Actual Control, it does not have a common understanding in some areas. We remain committed to engaging with China through bilateral discussions to arrive at a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework for a boundary settlement," he said in Lok Sabha today.

Jaishankar stated that China illegally occupies 38,000 sq km of Indian territory in Aksai Chin, stemming from the 1962 conflict, and referred to Pakistan's illegal ceding of 5,180 sq km of Indian territory to China in 1963.  

#WATCH | In the Lok Sabha, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says "I rise to apprise the House of some recent developments in the India-China border areas and their implications for our overall bilateral relations. The House is aware that our ties have been abnormal since 2020 when peace and… pic.twitter.com/Ht53jncLkw

— ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2024

Referring to the amassing of Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh in 2020, Jaishankar praised Indian armed forces for their rapid and effective response despite logistical challenges. 

"It is to the credit of our armed forces that despite logistical challenges and the then prevailing Covid situation, they were able to counter-deploy rapidly and effectively," Jaishankar said in the Parliament today.

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EAM Outlines Three Key Principles For Engagement With China 

External Affairs Minister, addressing the Lok Sabha, emphasized the completion of troop disengagement in eastern Ladakh, marking a significant milestone in resolving the four-year-long military standoff with China. He stated that disengagement had been achieved in full through a phased process, including in sensitive areas like Depsang and Demchok. India now anticipates the initiation of discussions on remaining unresolved issues placed on the agenda.

Jaishankar articulated three foundational principles guiding India’s engagement with China:  

1. Both sides must strictly respect and observe the Line of Actual Control (LAC).  
2. Neither side should attempt to unilaterally alter the status quo.  
3. Agreements and understandings from the past must be fully upheld in their entirety.  

He further explained that the conclusion of the disengagement phase enables India to cautiously explore other aspects of bilateral engagement, prioritizing national security. He highlighted de-escalation as the next objective, which involves addressing the massing of troops along the LAC and their associated military deployments.

Referring to past experiences, Jaishankar underscored the need for enhanced border management mechanisms and stated that temporary measures, previously implemented at other friction points, may need to be revisited as part of broader border management strategies.