Border Tensions Continue to Strain India-China Relations: EAM Jaishankar Speaks Out

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the ongoing tensions between India and China, attributing the strained relations to violations of border agreements by China and the resulting military standoffs. He emphasized that until these issues are resolved, a shadow will loom over bilateral ties, affecting other facets of the relationship including trade.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has accused China of violating border agreements, leading to continued tension between the two nations. Speaking at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, he noted that such tensions cast a significant shadow over the broader relationship.

Jaishankar remarked that the forward deployments of military forces from both sides have been a primary source of this strain and will continue to be until addressed. The bilateral relationship has been particularly strained since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which marked the most severe military conflict between the nations in decades.

Despite these tensions, trade between India and China has flourished. Jaishankar pointed out that the global dependence on Chinese manufacturing makes such trade nearly inevitable. However, he stressed that the political and military discord must be resolved for normalcy to return.

(With inputs from agencies.)