External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on Tuesday that a stable border is essential for fostering a normal relationship between India and China. Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum, he highlighted the longstanding issue of the disputed border between the two nations, which has remained unresolved for decades. Jaishankar noted that the absence of an agreed border has been a significant factor affecting bilateral relations.

He remarked, “We don’t have an agreed border between India and China. This is not a new issue; it’s been going on for multiple decades.” Jaishankar pointed out that between 1975 and 2020, there were no fatalities along the border, indicating a period of relative peace despite the ongoing dispute. He recalled that the last fatalities occurred in 1975, during which time relations between the two countries did improve.

However, he emphasised that the situation changed dramatically in 2020 when tensions escalated during the Covid lockdown. This period saw a series of border confrontations culminating in a clash that resulted in casualties on both sides. Jaishankar described this escalation as a significant departure from the previous state of affairs, which had been stable for 45 years.

Consequences of Disturbed Peace

Jaishankar further elaborated on the implications of disturbances in peace and tranquillity along the border. He stated, “If the peace and tranquillity in the border areas are disturbed, then the relationship will have consequences.” He noted that the repercussions of the 2020 clashes were evident for the subsequent five years, during which the authorities made efforts to restore stability through negotiations.

Jaishankar explained that it took four years of discussions to achieve a semblance of peace and tranquillity. Jaishankar reiterated the importance of a stable boundary for the relationship to progress, stating, “If you want a normal relationship, if the rest of the relationship is to move, it’s common sense.” He described the necessity for peace in border areas as a “no-brainer,” emphasising that the relationship between India and China is gradually moving towards normalcy as conditions along the border improve.

Jaishankar’s comments come in the wake of the Ministry of External Affairs reaffirming that the Union Territory of Ladakh is an integral part of India. This statement followed opposition from the Chinese foreign ministry regarding the naming of specific locations in Ladakh. The minister’s remarks underscore the significance of maintaining stability in border areas for the overall relationship between the two countries.

India’s Official Mapping of Ladakh

On October 2, India officially identified 28 strategic locations and geographical features in Ladakh, including critical points of friction along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), such as Gogra and Hot Spring. This initiative was undertaken in consultation with the Ladakh administration and aims to enhance official mapping and public awareness of the sensitive border region.

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the identification of these places was to facilitate accurate recognition and better awareness among the public. The announcement highlighted that the standard place names were developed in collaboration with local stakeholders, reinforcing India’s commitment to the region.

By officially mapping these locations, India aims to ensure precise identification of geographical features that are vital for security and administrative purposes. This move is a step towards strengthening India’s position in the region while addressing the complexities of its relationship with China.

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