LAGATAR24 DESK
Brisbane: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar lauded the recent disengagement between Indian and Chinese troops at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, calling it a “welcome step” that offers prospects for further de-escalation. Speaking at the University of Queensland on Sunday, Jaishankar noted that the move is a positive outcome following years of border tension.
Jaishankar’s statement comes after troops withdrew from the contentious areas of Demchok and Depsang. This disengagement process, initiated last month, saw both nations remove troops, tents, and temporary structures. “We have made some progress in disengagement, which is when troops were very close to each other, with a potential for incidents,” he said, adding that patrolling has resumed in Demchok as Indian troops also commenced verification checks in Depsang.
Diplomatic Path Forward
Reflecting on the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Jaishankar stated that follow-up discussions are anticipated involving national security advisors and ministers from both nations. “There are other aspects of the relationship which were affected during this period… But the disengagement is a welcome step. It opens up the possibility that other steps could happen,” he remarked.
Jaishankar on Global Conflicts
While in Brisbane, Jaishankar also addressed the Russia-Ukraine and Middle East conflicts. He emphasized India’s active diplomatic role in promoting peace, with Prime Minister Modi engaging directly with leaders from both nations involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “It is a situation which calls for proactive diplomacy. We are trying to do that,” he stated.
Regarding the Middle East, Jaishankar noted efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading, especially given the lack of direct communication between Iran and Israel. India is among several countries working to bridge this communication gap.
