External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, announced that India cannot have normal relations with China until there is peace on the border. Speaking at a press conference that marked the nine years of the NDA government in office, the Minister stated that China had attempted to force India into submission during the Galwan standoff by violating agreements. Jaishankar also discussed the challenges of cross-border terrorism when it comes to bilateral relations with Pakistan. He asserted that India does not fall prey to coercion, false narratives or inducements.
Jaishankar emphasized that India had de-legitimized cross-border terrorism and would not tolerate it. He addressed China‘s aggressive tactics and violations on the border, stating that India could not move forward until a peaceful footing is achieved. The Minister’s press conference addressed various issues regarding India’s foreign policy, including India’s membership to the UN Security Council and its role in global climate governance.
Foreign relations with China have been strained since the violent border clash of June 2020. Both countries deployed hundreds of troops in the disputed territory, with India losing at least 20 soldiers. Although China publicly claimed that India was responsible for the incident, several reports suggested that Chinese forces crossed into Indian territory, escalcating the conflict. The ongoing border disputes continue to stalemate China–India relations.
India has long criticized China’s expansionist policies, and the Galwan standoff significantly strained the relationship between the two countries. Until China respects the border agreements and there is no doubt about the stability of the region, it is unlikely that bilateral relations will return to normal.
