External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday that the world recognizes India’s ability to defend its interests and that the country remains unshaken in the face of border standoffs.
“When confronted in border areas, we have remained steadfast.” We had China move forces in violation of the agreement two years ago, in the middle of Covid. But we stood firm and worked it out without making any concessions. “The world recognizes that the country is capable of defending its interests,” Jaishankar said while addressing and interacting with students on Indian foreign policy at IIM Ahmedabad in Gujarat.
Jaishankar had previously stated on Monday that the state of the border will determine the state of the relationship between Beijing and New Delhi. The EAM stated at the launch of the Asia Society Policy Institute in the national capital that much of Asia’s future depends on how the two countries relations develop in the near future.
“Much of Asia’s future depends on how India and China’s relations develop in the near future.” Ties must be based on the three mutuals: mutual sensitivity, mutual respect, and mutual interest in order to return to a positive trajectory and remain sustainable. Of course, you are all aware of their current situation. “All I can say is that the state of the border will determine the state of the relationship,” he said.
For over two years, India and China have been at odds at a number of flashpoints in eastern Ladakh. After violent clashes with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley in June 2020, the situation deteriorated. Both sides have held several high-level military talks since then.
“Today, Asia’s prospects and challenges are heavily reliant on Indo-Pacific developments.” In fact, the concept reflects a divided Asia, with some interested in keeping the region less cohesive and interactive. The fact that collaborative efforts like the Quad benefit the global commons and the international community appears to turn them off. Developing even a basic strategic consensus in Asia is clearly a daunting task. As the international order evolves, this desire to selectively retain elements of the 1945 situation while transforming others – something we see in the UN as well – complicates world politics,” Jaishankar added at the event.
