India’s Foreign Minister, S Jaishankar, addressed the Lok Sabha on December 3, 2024, highlighting key principles that will guide India’s approach in managing its relationship with China, particularly with respect to border issues. This comes as relations between the two countries show signs of improvement after a period of tension following clashes in Eastern Ladakh in April 2020.

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• S Jaishankar highlighted three key principles for managing India-China relations.
• Both sides must strictly respect the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
• Neither India nor China should attempt to unilaterally alter the status quo.
• Past agreements and understandings between the two countries must be fully respected.
• Tensions flared between India and China in April-May 2020, leading to military clashes.
• India’s armed forces responded effectively despite logistical challenges and COVID-related difficulties.
• Diplomatic efforts, including multiple rounds of talks, helped ease tensions and lead to disengagement.
• The most recent diplomatic breakthrough occurred in October 2024, leading to the return of troops to pre-2020 positions.
• Disengagement has been achieved in sensitive areas like Depsang and Demchok.
• The next priority is de-escalation and further troop withdrawals along the LAC.