China and India have reached an agreement to end the LAC standoff in eastern Ladakh that has persisted for over four years. Both countries’ armies have begun withdrawing troops. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar made significant statements regarding India’s relationship with China.
On Saturday, he announced that the two nations have agreed on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). However, he emphasized that this agreement does not resolve all the issues between the countries. Jaishankar stated that while there is an opportunity to consider further troop withdrawals, the underlying problems remain. He shared these insights during a program in Pune.
Jaishankar explained that patrolling will occur in Depsang and Demchok based on the agreement reached on October 21. This marks the first phase of withdrawal, and he noted that they have successfully reached this stage.
During his talk with students in Pune, Jaishankar acknowledged that even with the decision to withdraw troops, it will take more time to normalize relations between India and China, highlighting the need for mutual trust and cooperation.
The foreign ministers and national security advisors of both countries will lead the discussions moving forward. This decision emerged from a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the 23rd, Jaishankar reported.
The agreement specifies that India and China will complete troop withdrawals from Depsang and Demchok by the 29th. Accordingly, both sides plan to initiate patrolling on the 30th and 31st while continuing with the troop withdrawal. Jaishankar credited the Indian army and diplomats for this achievement at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).