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.
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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