India and China Agree on LAC Patrolling, Return to Pre-2020 Status: EAM Jaishankar

New Delhi, October 22, 2024: Speaking at the ‘NDTV World Summit 2024: The India Century,’ External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that India and China have reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), bringing the situation back to pre-May 2020 conditions.

“What Foreign Secretary has said is what I can also say, that we reached an agreement on patrolling and with that we have gone back to where the situation was in 2020. We can say that the disengagement process with China has been completed… It creates a basis that peace and tranquility, which there should be in the border areas, which there was before 2020, we will be able to come back to that,” said Jaishankar.

Progress in India-China Relations Jaishankar emphasized that the resolution was the result of “patient and persevering diplomacy,” noting that the disengagement process has been a focus since his meeting with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow in September 2020. According to Jaishankar, both countries have now agreed to restore patrolling arrangements, which were disrupted after actions by Chinese military forces in 2020 led to heightened tensions.

Ahead of the BRICS Summit, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the agreement, stating it marks a step toward resolving lingering issues at the LAC. Misri added that the discussions have led to a reduction in tensions and the beginning of disengagement along disputed areas.

Jaishankar Criticizes Canada’s Diplomatic Stance Jaishankar also addressed the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, criticizing Canada’s inconsistent standards in handling diplomatic relations. He pointed out the contrasting approach to freedom of speech and foreign interference between the two nations. “Even double standards are mild words for it. There is this thing that we will do differently at home. We will do it differently abroad. We will do it our way, but that doesn’t apply to you,” he remarked.

India’s Role in Global Diplomacy Highlighting India’s proactive role in global diplomacy, Jaishankar spoke on India’s supportive stance towards Pakistan’s presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). He dismissed any speculations of meeting with Nawaz Sharif, stating that his purpose was to attend the SCO meeting and to ensure smooth proceedings under Pakistan’s presidency.

Jaishankar also praised Prime Minister Modi’s efforts on the international front, particularly his diplomatic engagements during the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. “Prime Minister Modi went to Russia, and he met President Putin. Then he went to Kyiv… He has also been engaging with leaders in the Middle East. Not many leaders have that ability,” Jaishankar stated, underscoring India’s growing trust and credibility on the global stage.

India’s Growing Influence India’s credibility, Jaishankar said, has positioned it as a reliable partner on the global stage. He highlighted India’s performance in forums like the G7, where India’s democratic values and economic strength have made it an influential voice. “This is how you keep yourself relevant, and this happens if you have a confident leadership. They [western countries] do it because of our performance,” he concluded.

With the BRICS Summit around the corner, where discussions on peace, security, and economic cooperation are expected, Jaishankar’s statements underscore India’s strategic positioning and diplomatic assertiveness, further solidifying its role as a global leader.