Jaishankar Lists Key Conditions For Better Ties With China: ‘Peace Along Borders, Respect’

Last Updated:March 06, 2025, 07:09 IST

EAM Jaishankar said disruption in India-China relations had a specific context, which stemmed from China's actions along the Line of Actual Control in 2020

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. (Source: PTI)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that New Delhi wants a stable relationship with China in which India’s interests are “respected and sensitivities are recognised". He said peace along borders and stability were inevitable for the growth of the two nations.

“The key issue is how to create a stable equilibrium and transition into the next phase of equilibriums. We want a stable relationship where our interests are respected, our sensitivities are recognised, and where it works for both of us. That is the main challenge in our relationship," Jaishankar said on the India-China relationship.

Unstable Border Will Affect Ties: Jaishankar

He emphasised that for the past 40 years, it has been assumed that peace and stability along the border are crucial for the growth of the relationship. “An unstable, non-peaceful, or non-tranquil border will inevitably impact the development and direction of our ties."

Jaishankar made these remarks during a conversation on Wednesday at Chatham House, an independent policy institute in London, which has been a platform for dialogue and influential ideas for over a century.

He explained that the disruption in India-China relations had a specific context, which stemmed from China’s actions along the Line of Actual Control in 2020 and the ongoing situation afterward. “By October 2024, we managed to resolve many urgent and pending issues, including disengaging troops from the frontline. Following this, there were meetings between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi in Kazan, and I also met Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Our national security advisor and foreign secretary have visited China as well," he said.

He added that both countries are now working on measures to guide the relationship in a more predictable, stable, and positive direction.

“Discussions are ongoing about various issues, including the resumption of pilgrimages to Mount Kailash, direct flights, and journalist concerns. Additionally, a mechanism for managing Trans-border rivers, which was halted due to the disrupted relationship after 2020, is also being reviewed. It’s a challenging task, but we are hopeful of resolving it soon," Jaishankar remarked.

When asked about the type of relationship India seeks with China, Jaishankar responded, “We share a unique relationship. We are the only two countries with populations exceeding a billion. Both have a long history with fluctuations, but today, both nations are on an upward trajectory. The challenge lies in how their growth affects the balance with the world and their neighbors, especially when two countries of such size, history, and complexity rise simultaneously."

The EAM also addressed other matters, including Kashmir, the internationalization of the Rupee, the role of the dollar in the global economy, and the stance of BRICS nations on these issues.

Kashmir Issue Mostly Solved, Says Jaishankar

EAM S Jaishankar said the Kashmir issue was mostly solved and called for return of the ‘stolen’ part from Pakistan.

“In Kashmir, we have done a good job solving most of it. think removing Article 370 was one step. Then, restoring growth, economic activity and social justice in Kashmir was step number two. Holding elections, which were done with a very high turnout, was step number three."

He added, “I think the part we are waiting for is the return of the stolen part of Kashmir, which is on the illegal Pakistani occupation. When that’s done, I assure you, Kashmir solved."

Jaishankar is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland from March 4 to 9 to further strengthen India’s diplomatic ties with both nations. According to a Ministry of External Affairs statement, India and the UK have a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has deepened across multiple sectors such as defense, trade, health, education, and people-to-people relations.

London, United Kingdom (UK)

News world Jaishankar Lists Key Conditions For Better Ties With China: ‘Peace Along Borders, Respect’