India and China Work to Rebuild Ties Post-Galwan Clashes
India and China are cautiously attempting to rebuild their strained relationship in the aftermath of the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that a tense relationship serves neither country and underscored the importance of restoring peace and stability along the border. He noted that the events of 2020 marked a serious breach of previously agreed protocols and caused considerable damage to bilateral trust.
India-China Relations
Progress has been made in recent months, particularly with the disengagement agreement in October 2024 over the remaining friction points at Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh. The agreement was followed by high-level discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where both leaders expressed a willingness to improve relations and stabilize the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Galwan Valley Clashes
Jaishankar pointed out that the violent confrontation in Galwan was not only a moment of bloodshed but also a watershed moment that broke longstanding understandings between the two nations. He reiterated that maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas is a prerequisite for the broader development of India-China ties.
S. Jaishankar’s Outlook
He stated that managing differences and preventing them from becoming disputes is critical in any mature relationship, especially between two large neighboring countries. While acknowledging that India and China remain competitors in many areas, Jaishankar stressed that competition should not translate into conflict. He questioned the rationale behind maintaining a tense and militarized relationship that only results in collateral damage.
Jaishankar maintained that both sides have a responsibility to resolve the legacy of the Galwan clashes and that continued dialogue is necessary for restoring mutual trust. He expressed cautious optimism that India and China could return to a more constructive and stable phase of engagement if ongoing efforts succeed.
