External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently spoke about the ongoing border dispute between Bharat and China during an interaction with youths in Pune. Moreover, Jaishankar recognized the necessity for Bharat to rival China, foreseeing potential backing from neighboring countries for Bharat’s divergent ideology.
EAM emphasized that Bharatiya forces would continue to stay at the borders until they are secure. Jaishankar highlighted the significance of Bharat’s global rise and improved opportunities, coinciding with the launch of the Marathi translation of his book “Why Bharat Matters” in Pune.
#WATCH | Pune, Maharashtra: During an interaction on why Bharat matters, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar says, "…In my book, I have written that this is an India that is more 'Bharat.' We (India) don't get pressurised, if we have to take a decision, we take it;… pic.twitter.com/0UcxEvTyle
— ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2024
Jaishankar pointed out that China’s violation of previous agreements during the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased tensions along the border. He stressed the importance of stabilizing the border and avoiding further tensions. Additionally, Jaishankar acknowledged the need for Bharat to compete with China, anticipating possible support from neighboring nations for Bharat’s opposing ideology.
The minister underscored the unique historical and economic positions of both Bharat and China as ancient civilizations. He acknowledged China’s current economic status as the second-largest economy globally and Bharat’s trajectory towards becoming a top-three economy in the coming years. However, he highlighted the challenge of border settlement with China due to their shared geography.
#WATCH | Pune, Maharashtra: On India-China, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar says, "India and China are very unique…Also, we both are old civilizations…Today, China has become the number 2 economy and we are in the fifth, in the coming 2 or 3 years, we will be in the… pic.twitter.com/468C7rdJKG
— ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2024
Jaishankar referenced historical events, such as Sardar Patel’s concerns about China’s occupation of Tibet in 1950, to illustrate the need for realistic policies towards China. He contrasted Patel’s pragmatic approach with Nehru’s ideological stance, emphasizing the importance of realism in dealing with China’s actions.
Addressing the Aksai Chin border issue, Jaishankar reiterated Bharat’s commitment to preparing for a two-front problem, reflecting on the need for strategic readiness amid border tensions. He highlighted recent diplomatic engagements between Bharat and China, including the 29th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on Bharat-China Border Affairs (WMCC) held in Beijing.
Bharat’s Ministry of External Affairs reiterated its long-standing position on China, emphasizing ongoing diplomatic and military dialogues aimed at achieving resolution. The two countries have been in a military standoff since May 2020, with recent discussions focusing on complete disengagement and resolving issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Western sector of the India-China border.
The statements from Jaishankar and the Ministry of External Affairs underscore Bharat’s commitment to addressing the border dispute with China through diplomatic and strategic means while maintaining readiness to defend its territorial integrity. The ongoing dialogues reflect both countries’ efforts to de-escalate tensions and seek peaceful resolutions to longstanding issues along the border.
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