Peace at the border can only prevail after normalizing Indo-China relations : EAM S Jaishankar

New Delhi – India hopes to resolve outstanding issues with China. Bilateral relations need to be normalized before peace can prevail at the border, stated Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar in an interview. He mentioned that the primary unresolved issues include rights and capabilities regarding patrolling. “Our relations with China are not normal at present; there has been a peace disturbance at the border area. This situation is not in our interest,” he said. S Jaishankar emphasized that diplomacy is a job of patience. “If we want to normalize relations, we need to resolve these issues.” Since May 2020, there has been ongoing military tension between India and China. The border dispute has not been fully resolved. After the severe clashes in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, relations between the two countries have been strained. However, both sides have retreated from several conflict points. India has consistently stated that normalizing ties is essential for establishing peace at the border.

Delay in the ‘India-West Asia-Europe Economic Corridor’ project is certainly a matter of concern

During the G20 summit, the Minister of External Affairs also spoke about the ‘India-West Asia-Europe Economic Corridor’. He said, “The delay in the implementation of this project is a matter of concern, considering the current situation in West Asia and the expectations set after this initiative.” All stakeholders related to this project are committed, as they consider it a significant initiative. When asked if the current crises in West Asia might delay the project for years, he acknowledged, “It is indeed a matter of concern for us, and some adjustments will have to be made in the agreements we expected to sign in September 2023.”