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The recent meeting between India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Laos underscored the ongoing tension and complex dynamics in the bilateral relationship. Jaishankar, emphasizing the need for “full respect” for the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and adherence to past agreements, reiterated India's stance that a peaceful resolution of the border dispute is crucial for the stabilization and rebuilding of bilateral ties. This meeting comes amidst the ongoing border standoff in eastern Ladakh, which entered its fifth year in May 2020.
The two leaders acknowledged the need for strong guidance to complete the disengagement process, highlighting the importance of respecting the LAC and past agreements. This shared understanding underscores the urgency for both countries to find a resolution to the border issue and restore normalcy in their relationship. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement further emphasized the importance of working with purpose and urgency to achieve complete disengagement at the earliest, reiterating that peace and tranquility on the borders and respect for the LAC are essential for normalcy in bilateral relations.
Both sides acknowledged the need to adhere to relevant bilateral agreements, protocols, and understandings reached between the two governments. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of the “three mutuals” – mutual respect, mutual interest, and mutual sensitivity – to India's ties with China. The meeting, which followed an earlier encounter in Astana on July 4th, is expected to be followed by an early meeting of the Working Mechanism on Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) to further discuss the issues at hand. While the meeting provided a platform for dialogue and understanding, it remains unclear whether a breakthrough is imminent in resolving the border standoff.
The standoff between India and China in eastern Ladakh has significantly strained bilateral relations since May 2020. Despite numerous rounds of talks, a full resolution has not been achieved, with both sides remaining locked in a stalemate. The 21st round of Corps Commander-level talks, while failing to produce a breakthrough, did result in an agreement to maintain “peace and tranquillity” on the ground and continue communication. The meeting in Laos underscores India's unwavering stance that respect for the LAC and past agreements are fundamental to stabilizing the relationship with China. The future trajectory of the relationship hinges on the ability of both sides to engage in constructive dialogue and find common ground in resolving the outstanding border issues.
Source: India asks China to ensure 'full respect' for LAC: Jaishankar after meeting Wang Yi in Laos