NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on Sunday that India and China have made “some progress” in disengaging along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), describing it as a “welcome” step that may lead to further positive developments. His comments follow the recent disengagement of Indian and Chinese troops at two significant friction points, Demchok and Depsang Plains, in eastern Ladakh.
Jaishankar mentioned that a recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Russia led to plans for ongoing discussions involving India’s National Security Advisor and the Ministry of External Affairs. “That’s where things stand,” he said, adding that the disengagement “opens up the possibility for further steps.”
Speaking to the Indian diaspora in Brisbane, Jaishankar remarked, “Our relations were very disturbed, as you all know. We’ve made some progress in what we call disengagement—reducing the close proximity of troops to avoid any potential incidents.” The recent disengagement process, which began with Indian forces conducting verification patrols at Depsang and Demchok on Friday, is viewed as an essential step in addressing border tensions stemming from the 2020 standoff.
“There are still very large numbers of Chinese troops deployed along the LAC, unlike pre-2020,” Jaishankar noted, “and we have counter-deployed in response.” According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the disengagement marks a potential breakthrough following several rounds of talks aimed at ending the four-year standoff.
On his first leg of a two-nation tour, Jaishankar also addressed broader global issues, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. He highlighted India’s commitment to diplomacy, explaining that Prime Minister Modi has been engaged in talks with leaders of both Russia and Ukraine to help foster peace efforts. Jaishankar shared that in the Middle East, India is working to prevent further escalation of tensions and seeks to mitigate potential regional conflicts.
Discussing the Quad alliance, Jaishankar reiterated that the grouping of India, Australia, Japan, and the United States is focused on a broad agenda encompassing maritime security, connectivity, and climate forecasting. “With four democracies and market economies working together, the Quad aims to promote regional stability and global contributions,” he explained.
During his Australian visit, Jaishankar will inaugurate India’s fourth consulate and co-chair the 15th Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Canberra.
