Tensions Between India and China Will Persist Until Military Forward Deployments Are Addressed: EAM

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar stated on Tuesday that tensions between India and China will continue until the forward deployment of military forces along their shared border is addressed. Speaking at an event hosted by the Carnegie Endowment in the US, Jaishankar emphasized that China violated agreements meant to maintain peace and tranquility along the border in 2020, resulting in the current tensions.

“The short version is that we have agreements on how to keep the border peaceful and tranquil, and those agreements were violated by China in 2020. Until those forward deployments are addressed, the tensions would continue,” Jaishankar remarked.

The tension between the two countries has been ongoing since 2020, following transgressions by the Chinese Army in multiple areas, including the Galwan Valley and the Finger area along Pangong Lake. Despite numerous rounds of military and diplomatic talks, the standoff remains unresolved.

China’s Role in Global Manufacturing

Addressing questions about India’s strategic perspective on China, Jaishankar noted that China accounts for approximately 31-32% of global manufacturing. He attributed this to decades of collaboration between international businesses, primarily Western-led, with China, resulting in mutual benefits. This significant role in global manufacturing has made sourcing from China an inevitable part of consumption and manufacturing processes for many countries.

Autonomy of Trade and Political Relations

Jaishankar explained that trade with China often functions independently of political relations, stressing that it is not merely about trade volume but also about what is being traded. He urged countries to be more sensitive to their data flows and to consider the risks and exposures associated with their trade relations, especially in a more data-sensitive and technology-driven world.

Recent Developments in India-China Border Talks

In August, India and China held the 31st meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) in Beijing. Both sides agreed to jointly maintain peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in accordance with bilateral agreements. They had a “frank, constructive, and forward-looking” exchange of views on the LAC situation, agreeing to intensify contact through diplomatic and military channels.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that restoring peace and tranquility and respecting the LAC are essential for normalizing bilateral relations. It was also decided that both countries would work to uphold peace in the border areas until an early resolution of the outstanding issues is achieved.