Jaishankar assures Parliament of progress on India-China border disengagement

New Delhi, Dec 3: In a detailed address to the Lok Sabha, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar briefed Parliament on the latest developments concerning the India-China border issue, emphasising the completion of disengagement processes in Eastern Ladakh.

“Through a step-by-step process culminating in Depsang and Demchok, disengagement has now been fully achieved,” he said. Dr Jaishankar underlined that this marked a significant step towards addressing long-standing disputes along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Providing historical context, Dr Jaishankar pointed to a “long history of frictions, transgressions, and face-offs,” dating back to Barahoti in 1954, Longju in 1959, Sumdorong Chu from 1986-1995, and Depsang in 2013. The Minister reminded Members of Parliament (MPs) of previous government actions, which included measures to de-escalate tensions, such as creating demilitarized zones, disengaging troops, and dismantling structures. He added, “Different locations have seen different solutions being examined over the years.”

Dr Jaishankar also noted China’s illegal occupation of 38,000 sq. km of Indian territory in Aksai Chin since 1962, and the subsequent ceding of 5,180 sq. km of Indian land by Pakistan to China in 1963. “These issues have been a matter of continuous discussion in our bilateral talks to find a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution,” he said.

Dr Jaishankar also traced the evolution of the disengagement process since the 2020 standoff, triggered by Chinese troop build-ups along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh. The violent clashes in Galwan Valley in June 2020 marked a low point, with fatalities occurring for the first time in 45 years. “This was a serious turn of events,” he said, “leading to the deployment of heavy weaponry in proximity to the LAC.”

Acknowledging the contributions of India’s armed forces, Dr Jaishankar praised their “speedy and effective counter-deployment despite logistical challenges and the COVID-19 situation.” He outlined a phased approach to disengagement, including agreements in February 2021 at Pangong Lake, in August 2021 at Gogra, and in September 2022 at Hot Springs. The latest understanding in October 2024 concerning Depsang and Demchok completes this phase. “Our objective has been to ensure patrolling as in the past to the relevant points and the resumption of grazing by our civilians as per longstanding practices,” he said.

Diplomatic Efforts and Border Infrastructure

The Minister highlighted the coordinated diplomatic and military efforts that made disengagement possible. Referring to high-level discussions, he said, “The Defence and diplomatic arms worked in lockstep to ensure that our national interests were comprehensively met.” Dr. Jaishankar noted that since June 2020, 17 meetings of the Working Mechanism for Cooperation and Coordination (WMCC) and 21 rounds of Senior Military Commanders’ talks have taken place.

Dr Jaishankar in addition praised Border Roads Organisations and credited them for major improvements in border infrastructure to bolster India’s defensive and logistical capabilities. “Border Roads Organization (BRO) expenditures have tripled compared to a decade ago,” he noted.

Reminding Members of the Parliament, Jaishankar counted some of the achievements as Atal Tunnel, the Umling La Pass road in Ladakh, and ongoing work on strategic roads and airfields in the region. “This reflects the Government’s firm commitment to protecting our borders and supporting our armed forces,” he added.

The broader relationship with China, Dr. Jaishankar stated that peace and tranquillity along the border are prerequisites for normalising bilateral ties. “Our relationship had progressed in many domains but was obviously negatively affected by recent events,” he said. He reiterated three key principles for engagement: strict respect for the LAC, no unilateral attempts to alter the status quo, and full adherence to past agreements.

Dr Jaishankar emphasised that while disengagement has been completed, discussions on de-escalation and improved border management remain ongoing. He stated, “This applies to both sides and can be revisited as the situation demands. Our stance has been resolute and firm, serving our national interest fully.”

Next Steps in Bilateral Engagement

The October 21 agreement paved the way for high-level engagements when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan on October 23, nearly after more than four years where they welcomed the progress and directed their Foreign Ministers to stabilise and rebuild relations. Dr Jaishankar followed up with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November. “The Special Representatives and Foreign Secretary-level mechanisms will convene soon to explore further solutions,” he informed the House.

Dr Jaishankar also highlighted the inclusion of confidence-building measures in recent talks. “The Defence Ministers of both nations have agreed on the importance of continuing consultations at various levels,” he said, referencing a meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun in Vientiane on November 20.

Dr Jaishankar’s statement concluded with a cautiously optimistic note. Dr Jaishankar acknowledging the adverse impacts of recent tensions on bilateral relations expressed hope for gradual normalisation. “We have been clear that the restoration of peace and tranquillity would be the basis for the rest of the relationship to move forward,” he said.

The Minister highlighted that India’s approach remains rooted in national security interests and mutual respect. “In the coming days, we will continue to work on both de-escalation and effective management of our border activities,” Jaidhankar while concluding assured Members of the Parliaments. He emphasised that all actions, from diplomatic dialogues to military preparations, align with the principles of mutual sensitivity and respect.