External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar addressed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, acknowledging that India-China relations have been "abnormal" since the violent clashes in Galwan Valley in 2020 but highlighted progress due to ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Referring to the Galwan Valley incident, Jaishankar said, "The House is well aware of the circumstances leading to the violent clashes in June 2020. These clashes resulted in fatalities for the first time in 45 years, creating a serious situation with heavy weaponry deployed near the Line of Actual Control (LAC)." He emphasized the government?s immediate response, which included a counter-deployment of adequate military capabilities and a focus on diplomatic solutions to restore peace.

Efforts to Normalize Relations

Jaishankar detailed the historical context of India-China relations, dating back to 1988, when both nations agreed to resolve border issues through peaceful consultations. He outlined milestones in the bilateral relationship, including:

• 1993 & 1996: Agreements on maintaining peace and implementing confidence-building measures along the LAC.
• 2003: Declaration of principles for comprehensive cooperation and the appointment of special representatives to address boundary issues.
• 2005: Protocols for implementing confidence-building measures and setting political parameters for boundary resolution.
• 2012 & 2013: Establishment of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) and an understanding on border defense cooperation.

?These agreements illustrate the extensive efforts made to ensure peace and tranquillity,? Jaishankar remarked, adding that the disruption in 2020 marked a severe setback for bilateral relations.

Progress Through Diplomacy

Jaishankar noted that continuous diplomatic dialogues have facilitated some improvement in ties. "There has been progress in defusing heightened tensions along the LAC. Our objective remains the restoration of peace and tranquillity while ensuring national security," he said.

He concluded by emphasizing that while relations have seen gradual improvement, India remains committed to safeguarding its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and diplomacy will continue to play a key role in achieving long-term stability in ties with China.

The remarks come amidst growing scrutiny of India-China relations, with both nations attempting to navigate a path forward while addressing lingering tensions.