National Desk
10 April
Sandeep Dhand
Journalist Research Analysist
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said that India and China are moving in a “more positive direction” in their bilateral relationship. Speaking at the News18 Rising Bharat Summit, he noted that while progress has been made, more efforts are needed to fully normalize ties between the two nations.
“I believe we are moving in a more positive direction,” Jaishankar said, adding that the current relationship between India and China is clearly better than before. He emphasized that the disengagement of troops from the contentious areas of Depsang and Demchok in Eastern Ladakh was a significant step forward.
In October last year, both countries reached a final agreement on military disengagement from these two key points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). However, Jaishankar acknowledged that some issues still remain at the border due to the prolonged military presence in the region over the past few years.
He pointed out that several factors have influenced India-China ties recently, including the COVID-19 pandemic. “During the pandemic, direct flights between India and China were suspended and have not yet resumed,” he said. He also referred to the suspension of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra during the same period.
The minister highlighted that the years between 2020 and 2024 were marked by tensions and developments that were not in the interest of either country. Despite the challenges, he expressed hope for steady improvement in ties, provided both sides continue to engage in dialogue and cooperation.
The comments come at a time when both India and China are showing signs of cautiously rebuilding trust and improving communication after years of strain following the border standoff in 2020.