Jaishankar Clarifies “75% Military Disengagement” Remark, Stresses Caution in Trusting China

India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, has shed light on his recent statement regarding the progress in resolving the border standoff with China in eastern Ladakh. Speaking at the Asia Society Policy Institute in New York on September 24, Jaishankar acknowledged that while 75% of the military disengagement had been completed, India still faces significant challenges with China due to a “difficult history” of trust issues.

Jaishankar emphasized that India’s relations with China have been strained, particularly after the events of 2020, when Chinese forces moved into the Line of Actual Control (LAC) despite explicit agreements to maintain peace along the border. “Despite the explicit agreements we had with China, we saw in the middle of Covid that the Chinese moved a large number of forces in violation of these agreements to the LAC. It was likely a mishap would happen, and it did. So, there was a clash and a number of troops died on either side. That, in a sense, overshadowed the relationship,” Jaishankar said, as quoted by India Today.

While addressing the 75% disengagement remark, Jaishankar clarified that it refers specifically to the withdrawal of forces from some friction points along the border. “When I said 75% of it has been sorted out, it’s only of the disengagement. So, that’s one part of the problem. We’ve been able to sort out much of the disengagement in the friction points. But some of the patrolling issues need to be resolved. The next step will be de-escalation,” he added.

The minister also highlighted the broader significance of India-China relations, noting that the future of Asia—and potentially the world—depends on how the two countries manage their relationship. “If the world is to be multipolar, Asia has to be multipolar, and therefore this relationship will influence not just the future of Asia, but in that way, perhaps the future of the world as well,” he stated.

The border dispute remains a central issue in India’s dealings with China, even as Beijing has consistently downplayed its significance, pushing for the normalization of bilateral ties in other areas. However, India maintains that the restoration of peace and respect for the LAC is a fundamental prerequisite for the normalization of relations.

Jaishankar’s remarks come shortly after a series of diplomatic engagements aimed at de-escalating tensions between the two nations. On September 13, India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the BRICS meeting in Russia. Both sides agreed to expedite “complete disengagement” on the remaining friction points along the LAC, where Indian and Chinese troops have been in a standoff since May 2020.

The meeting followed the 31st round of border talks held last month, where both countries discussed the situation along the LAC in a “frank, constructive, and forward-looking” manner. Both sides committed to upholding peace and stability along the border, in accordance with bilateral agreements and protocols.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs reiterated in its latest statement that the restoration of peace and tranquility along the border is essential for the normalization of relations. Meanwhile, China has maintained that the situation along the LAC is stable and that both sides should work towards resolving their differences while normalizing ties in other domains.

The road to a full resolution remains long, but the ongoing diplomatic efforts signal a commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the lingering border dispute.

***