In Tokyo on Monday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made it clear that the ongoing India-China border dispute is a bilateral issue, with no role for third-party mediation. Speaking on the sidelines of a Quad foreign ministerial meeting, Jaishankar stated, “We have a problem, or, I would say, an issue between India and China… I think it is for two of us to talk it over and to find a way.”
He emphasized that while other countries may have an interest in the matter due to the significant impact of India-China relations on global affairs, “we are not looking to other countries to sort out what is really an issue between us.” Jaishankar’s remarks came in the context of his recent discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, including a meeting last week in the Laotian capital, where they participated in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings.
During their discussions, Jaishankar and Wang agreed on the importance of providing strong guidance to expedite the disengagement process in the wake of the military standoff in eastern Ladakh that began in May 2020. The minister reiterated India’s stance that normalizing relations with China hinges on maintaining peace in the border areas.
The border row in eastern Ladakh has entered its fifth year, following the deadly clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, which significantly strained India-China ties. Despite multiple rounds of diplomatic and military talks, including the 21st round of Corps Commander-level discussions held recently, a full resolution remains elusive. Both sides have, however, agreed to maintain “peace and tranquillity” on the ground and continue dialogue to find a way forward.
Jaishankar’s comments underscore his firm position on resolving the India-China border dispute directly with China, without external intervention, as the two nations continue to navigate this complex and sensitive issue.