Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the concerning behavior of Chinese troops along the Ladakh border, highlighting a significant shift in the relationship spanning over three decades.
Speaking at an Asia Society virtual event, Jaishankar noted the profound disruption caused by recent violent clashes, notably the deadly incident in the Galwan Valley on June 15, where 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives.
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Despite ongoing talks between the two nations, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of not preemptively judging outcomes.
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Jaishankar underscored India’s longstanding commitment to peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), built upon a framework of agreements dating back to 1993.
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These agreements aimed to regulate troop movements, manage border incidents, and establish protocols for border behavior. However, this year witnessed a stark departure from these agreements, with a significant buildup of Chinese forces along the border, posing a critical security challenge.
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Jaishankar attributed the Galwan clashes to this deviation from established protocols and expressed bewilderment at the aggressive behavior displayed by Chinese troops.
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He highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting it as the first military casualty since 1975, underscoring its profound impact on public sentiment and political dynamics, which have left the bilateral relationship deeply unsettled.