Jaishankar on India-China Disengagement: “Some Progress, Possibility for Future Steps”
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has acknowledged “some progress” in the India-China disengagement process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, describing the development as “welcome” and expressing hope that it could pave the way for further steps.
His remarks come after the Indian government confirmed that verification patrolling resumed on mutually agreed terms in the Demchok and Depsang areas.
Speaking during an interaction with the Indian diaspora in Brisbane, Australia, Jaishankar elaborated on the significance of this progress. “In terms of India and China, yes, we have made some progress. You know, our relations were very, very disturbed,” he noted, referring to the increased deployment of Chinese troops along the LAC post-2020 and India’s corresponding counter-deployment. “We do think the disengagement is a welcome step. It opens up the possibility that other steps could happen,” he added.
Evolving Diplomatic Channels and Future Engagement
Jaishankar also provided an update on high-level talks, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Russia had set the stage for continued diplomatic engagement. He indicated that both India’s National Security Advisor and Jaishankar himself were expected to meet their Chinese counterparts to discuss further de-escalation efforts.
In addition to addressing India-China relations, Jaishankar touched on global concerns, particularly the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and rising tensions between Israel and Iran. Describing these as “very, very worrying situations,” he emphasized India’s active diplomatic role, including Prime Minister Modi’s recent engagements with Russia and Ukraine. “Some degree of proactive diplomacy, we are trying to do that,” he stated, underscoring the support India has received from both Western nations and the Global South in its peace-building initiatives.
Strengthening Ties with Australia and Vision for Growth
On his visit to Australia, Jaishankar also highlighted the significant transformation in bilateral relations between India and Australia, describing the evolution over the past decade as foundational for future cooperation. Reflecting on a conversation with Prime Minister Modi in 2014, he shared how Modi questioned the lack of progress in the India-Australia relationship despite commonalities in language, culture, and tradition. He noted that the strengthened ties were a result of deliberate efforts on both ends, not an automatic outcome.
Jaishankar concluded by affirming India’s optimistic view of the global landscape. “India will grow. India is growing, but India wants to grow with the world,” he remarked, emphasizing India’s intention to foster international partnerships and harness global goodwill to support its development ambitions. He added, “We see a sentiment overall in the world for India to succeed, and it’s important we harness that sentiment.”
