External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for a stable and respectful relationship between India and China, highlighting that India seeks a relationship where both countries’ interests and sensitivities are acknowledged. “The key issue is how to create a stable equilibrium and transition into the next phase of equilibriums. We want a stable relationship where our interests are respected, our sensitivities are recognized, and where it works for both of us. That is really the main challenge in our relationship,” Jaishankar said during his address at Chatham House in London.
Jaishankar reflected on the last 40 years of India-China relations, noting that peace and tranquillity in the border areas have been vital for the growth of their ties. “If the border is unstable, not peaceful, or not tranquil, it will inevitably affect the growth and direction of our relationship,” he explained.
The minister also spoke about the recent efforts to stabilize the relationship after disruptions caused by the 2020 conflict along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). He noted that significant progress was made in resolving urgent issues, such as the disengagement of troops, following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping. “So after that, you know, there was a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi in Kazan, and I myself met Foreign Minister Wang Yi, our national security advisor and our foreign secretary have visited China,” he said.
Jaishankar shared that India and China are exploring ways to move the relationship in a more predictable and stable direction, including resuming pilgrimages to Mount Kailash, direct flights, and resolving outstanding issues related to journalists and trans-border rivers.
“We had a mechanism for Trans-border rivers. That mechanism had stopped because the relationship was very badly disrupted after 2020. So we’re looking at this package… it’s hard. You know, obviously, we would like to see it done sooner rather than later,” he added.
On the broader context of India-China ties, Jaishankar described the relationship as “unique.” “We are the only two countries in the world with over a billion people. Both of us have a long history, with ups and downs over time. Today, both countries are on an upward trajectory; here is the challenge, and we are also direct neighbors,” he said.
Jaishankar also addressed various global issues, including Kashmir, the internationalization of the Rupee, the role of the dollar in the international economy, and the position of BRICS countries on these matters.
Currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland from March 4 to 9, Jaishankar is working to bolster India’s friendly ties with both nations. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that India and the UK share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has strengthened in areas such as defense, trade, economy, health, education, and people-to-people connections.