India-China relations will take time and willingness to restore: EAM Jaishankar

Pune : External Affairs Minister (EAM) Jaishankar on Saturday said that relation between India and China amid ongoing border patrolling issues at LAC will take time and willingness to restore. Speaking in Pune, EAM said that the two nations are set to reach an agreement over border patrolling but considering the political dynamics, it will be a gradual process.

He was speaking at an interactive session with students at FLAME University in Pune. Jaishankar also mentioned about the ongoing challenges which are being faced in the current India-China relations. "Since 2020, the situation at border region is disturbed and has put forward a very negative impact on the overall relationship between the two nations. India has been negotiating with China since then to find a feasible solution.

He highlighted three primary issues which have been delaying the normalcy in the India-China relations. The most urgent issue is “disengagement,” as the proximity of Indian and Chinese troops presents risks of potential incidents. The second priority is “de-escalation,” aiming to reduce military tensions in the area. The third, longer-term objective involves establishing a structured approach to managing the border and negotiating a boundary settlement.

Currently, India is working on the first aspect which is disengagement and working on a resolution that puts back troops to their bases and bring sustainable patrolling measures.

Watch his full interaction in the video shared by Ministry of External Affairs on the social media.

EAM can be heard saying in the video, "Because after four years of a very disturbed border, where peace and tranquility have really been shattered, it will take naturally time to sort of rebuild a degree of trust and sort of a willingness to work with each other."