India Expects To Resume Pre-2020 Patrolling Along LAC; De-Escalation With China Is Next Step: Jaishankar

India and China have agreed to resume patrolling in the Demchok and Depsang areas of Ladakh. This disengagement will be followed by de-escalation and discussions on managing the border, EAM S Jaishankar said in Mumbai.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during a BJP press conference in Mumbai on Sunday.

Source : X/@DrSJaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, on Sunday, shared the status of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) agreement between India and China, stating that the resumption of patrolling in the areas of Demchok and Depsang in northern Ladakh is expected to return to pre-2020 arrangements. 

Jaishankar remarked during a BJP press conference in Mumbai, "An agreement reached on 21 October focused on resuming patrolling in those specific areas—Depsang and Demchok—as it used to be before 2020. It is natural that implementation will take some time. In recent days, you might have seen reports and updates about the changes occurring."

He elaborated on the broader context, saying, "There were other issues as well. The topic of disengagement and patrolling was discussed, as our troops had come very close to each other, which posed a risk. Troops have now returned to their camps, and we expect the patrolling situation in Depsang and Demchok to return to what it was. The next stage is de-escalation, meaning that while both armies have a significant presence with weapons, we will not reduce deployment until we are confident that similar decisions have been made on their side as well. This requires mutual dialogue and agreement."

Regarding disengagement, Jaishankar stressed, "I would say that completing disengagement is the first step, followed by de-escalation, and then discussions on how to manage the border for stable patrolling, which will have its own set of rules."

Speaking to the press in Mumbai.
https://t.co/EdjztJFcXx

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 27, 2024

‘Can’t Do Business During Daytime While Indulging In Terror During Night’: Jaishankar’s Veiled Jibe At Pakistan

Addressing counter-terrorism measures, Jaishankar criticised the lack of response from India following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, emphasising that such a stance would not be repeated. "We should not have a repeat of what happened in Mumbai. That there was a terror attack, and there was no response," he asserted during the presser.

Jaishankar further described Mumbai as a "symbol of counter-terrorism for India and the world." Reflecting on India's role in the UN Security Council, he noted, "When India was a member, it chaired the counter-terrorism committee, and we held the counter-terrorism panel meeting in the same hotel that was hit by the terror attack."

He highlighted India's firm stance against terrorism, stating, "When we talk of zero tolerance against terror, it is clear that when somebody does something, there will be a response." He added, "We will expose terrorism, and we will act where we have to act." Criticising double standards, he remarked, "It is not acceptable that you are doing business during daytime and indulging in terror during the night and I have to pretend that everything is okay. This India will not accept it. This is what has changed."

The minister also commented on India's handling of border security and regional instability. "Be it border security, counter-terrorism, or instability in our neighbourhood—we are managing it well," he stated, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his third term, took initiatives in the Russia-Ukraine conflict by visiting Russia and meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin during the BRICS summit.

Ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly polls, Jaishankar emphasised the need for the state to have a government aligned with the Centre's vision. He remarked, "Maharashtra is a leading state in industry, technology, and infrastructure. A developed Maharashtra is important for achieving the goal of a developed India (Viksit Bharat)." Highlighting the NDA government's focus, he said, "There is a strong focus on the economy and employment in the government's third term."

Jaishankar stressed, "Maharashtra needs a government which is on the same page as the Centre".