New Delhi |
In a candid conversation at Asia Society, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar acknowledged that India and China are slowly trying to rebuild the diplomatic bridge damaged during the Galwan Valley clashes of 2020, calling the incident “traumatic” and a clear violation of written agreements.
“It wasn’t just bloodshed. It was the shocking disregard of our prior agreements. That breach was substantial — and left scars on the relationship,” Jaishankar said.
Speaking at a session moderated by former South Korean Foreign Minister Kyung-wha Kang, Jaishankar underlined that while differences between India and China will persist, they must not escalate into disputes. Peace at the border, he stressed, is not a luxury — it is the foundation of any meaningful engagement.
What Changed After 2020?
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The Galwan clashes marked the first deadly conflict between the two countries in over 40 years.
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India and China have since held multiple rounds of disengagement talks.
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In October 2024, both sides reached an agreement over Depsang and Demchok, the last key friction points in Eastern Ladakh.
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This was followed by a Modi-Xi meeting in Kazan, seen as a cautious reset in ties.
“We’ve started the process — my Chinese counterpart and I have met several times. Our colleagues are talking too. Step-by-step, we’re trying to undo some of the damage,” Jaishankar explained.
Competition Doesn’t Mean Conflict
The External Affairs Minister emphasized that India and China are bound to compete — economically, politically, and regionally — but competition should not be confused with confrontation.
“We’re realistic. We will compete. But that doesn’t mean we need to be in conflict. There are ways to address issues,” he added.
Why This Matters to India
Tensions between the two Asian giants don’t just stay at the border — they impact trade, connectivity, and people-to-people ties. The Galwan incident had deepened mistrust among Indian citizens, and many saw the collapse of diplomacy as a step backward for regional stability.
Jaishankar’s comments reflect an acknowledgment of public sentiment, but also a strategic necessity — India and China cannot afford to remain locked in hostility forever.
“Peace on the border is not optional. Without it, the rest of the relationship cannot flourish,” he said.
