The relationship between India and China is at "crossroads", says S Jaishankar, Foreign Minister of India. He added that choices made will have "profound repercussions not just for two nations but for the world."
S Jaishankar was speaking at 13th All India Conference of China Studies. “They (events in Ladakh) not only signaled disregard for commitments on minimizing troops but also showed willingness to breach peace,” he added.
Jaishankar also asserted that any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo is "completely unacceptable." He added, “We are yet to receive credible explanation for change in China’s stance and massing of troops in border areas.”
Foreign minister's remarks come at a time when both the nations indulge in fresh brawl at Naku La region of Sikkim. "Exceptional stress" were the keywords when Jaishankar described the ties between both the nations after the events that took place in 2020.
Jaishankar said that development of ties is possible only on mutual ties, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest and he said it is not realistic to carry on with normal life when the situation at the border is tense.
Foreign minister reiterated that the Line of Actual Control be respected and strictly observed. “Agreements already reached must be adhered to in their entirety, both in letter and spirit,” Jaishankar added.
After both the nations met for the 9th round of talks to
de-escalate and disengage from the borders, the situation is still tense at the
borders because both the nations have deployed 50,000 troops and additional
artillery on the border. Moreover, both the nations accuse each other of
building huge infrastructure that might help them during any adverse situation
at the border.
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