Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated on Saturday that the recent pact on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) aimed at easing border tensions with China was the result of the Indian government’s “very determined effort” to maintain its position during the standoff with Beijing. He emphasized the crucial role played by both the military and diplomacy in reaching an understanding with China.
Speaking at an event in Pune, Jaishankar said, “…Today we have reached where we have because of two key reasons. First, a very determined effort on our part to stand our ground and make our point. This could only happen because our military was there, facing unimaginable conditions, defending the country. The military did its part, and diplomacy did its part.”
Key Role of Improved Infrastructure
The minister also stressed how infrastructure improvements over the last ten years helped bring China to withdraw its troops to positions held prior to the 2020 Galwan clash. “The second reason is that in the last decade, we have significantly improved our infrastructure… The combination of all these factors led us to where we are today. When Prime Minister Modi and President Xi met, it was decided that the foreign ministers and the national security advisor would meet and find a way to move forward,” Jaishankar said, as quoted by news agency ANI.
Landmark Agreement and Its Significance
The landmark agreement between India and China, concluded earlier this week, aimed to end one of the longest military standoffs in recent years. The final seal of approval was provided on Wednesday during a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping held in Kazan. This marked their first in-person engagement in five years, signaling a significant thaw in relations.
According to Indian officials, the agreement will lead to a further de-escalation of tensions along the LAC. During their 50-minute meeting, the two leaders also agreed to soon hold Special Representatives (SR) talks on the India-China boundary issue, a dialogue that has not taken place since 2019. They emphasized the importance of enhancing strategic communication, viewing the relationship from a “strategic and long-term perspective,” and cooperating to address developmental challenges.
