India-China Border Talks: Steady progress made despite tensions, says Jaishankar
New Delhi, August 7: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday stated that border talks between India and China had not been halted. He said both countries had made progress on key tension points in the last three years.
During an interaction with mediapersons, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said significant progress had been made on crucial tension points between India and China over the past three years. He said another meeting concerning the border talks was scheduled to take place in the near future.
“India-China border talks not halted, meeting will be held soon,” Jaishankar said.
India, China have time and again faced border disputes
India and China have a history of border disputes dating back to 1962. The tensions escalated in June 2020 when troops from both nations were involved in a violent clash in the Galwan Valley. In an effort to resolve issues in the border regions, both countries have conducted numerous rounds of military-level talks. These discussions are aimed at finding peaceful and diplomatic solutions to the longstanding border disputes and maintaining stability in the region.
On April 23 of this year, the 18th round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting took place at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Chinese side. These high-level meetings serve as a platform for both countries to engage in discussions and address the border-related issues between them.
EAM Jaishankar said over the last nine years, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government had been "significantly enhancing border infrastructure, including in the areas along Northern frontier".
“Post 2014, when there is big push on border infrastructure, contestation and patroling has increased from the Chinese side,” said Jaishankar.
The External Affairs Minister said India was in talks with Bhutan for railway connectivity with Assam. “We are in talks on the Rail link between Bhutan and Assam, Bhutan is very keen to open more points for tourists and it is very good for Assam,” Jaishankar said.
Meanwhile, on talks between Bhutan and China, Jaishankar said, "...they are having negotiations, and 24 rounds have been completed. They will be holding more rounds. We track carefully what affects us. It is for them to determine the pace."
Speaking on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Jaishankar said, "Kailash Mansarovar - Infrastructure is building up, there is a need for a tunnel there, Border Road Organisation (BRO) is working and planning it. But, there is no signal from China on coming back to the old process".
Terming the Myanmar Trilateral highway a “big challenge” due to the prevailing law and order situation there Jaishankar said India has to engage with authorities in Myanmar to complete the project and to get access of the Sittwe port.
“The border situation with Myanmar is challenging. Sittwe Port is operational, and we are hopeful to conclude the coastal shipping agreement this year. Myanmar Trilateral highway is a big challenge due to the law and order situation. We are engaging with Myanmar authorities to meet challenges,” Jaishankar said.
- ANI
