Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday (Nov. 3) that the recent de-escalation between India and China in eastern Ladakh may pave the way for “other steps” in their relationship.

Speaking to the Indian community in Australia, Jaishankar shared that India and China had achieved some progress in easing tensions in their bilateral ties. Jaishankar is on a five-day visit to Australia, from November 3 to November 7.

“In terms of India and China, we have made some progress. You know, our relations were very, very disturbed for reasons all of you know. We have made some progress in what we call disengagement,” he said. Jaishankar added that India would need to evaluate the course it would take following the disengagement.

“There are very large numbers of Chinese troops deployed along the Line of Actual Control who were not there before 2020 and we, in turn, have counter-deployed. There are other aspects of the relationship which also affected during this period. So clearly, we have to see after the disengagement, what is the direction we go. But we do think the disengagement is a welcome step. It opens up the possibility that you know, other steps could happen,” he added.

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Jaishankar said that after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Russia last month, expectations were that “both the national security advisor and myself would meet our counterpart. So that's really where things are."

Indian EAM's comments come just days after Indian and Chinese troops completed disengagement at two tense areas in eastern Ladakh: Demchok and the Depsang Plains. Following a verification process, the Indian Army has recommenced patrols at two points of contention along the border.

The stand-off between India and China arose due to China's aggressive actions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Indian officials have repeatedly stressed that relations between the two countries can only be restored to normal once the situation along the LAC reverts to the conditions that existed before May 2020.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday (Nov. 3) that the recent de-escalation between India and China in eastern Ladakh may pave the way for “other steps” in their relationship.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday (Nov. 3) that the recent de-escalation between India and China in eastern Ladakh may pave the way for “other steps” in their relationship. Speaking to the Indian community in Australia, Jaishankar shared that India and China had achieved some progress in easing tensions in their bilateral ties. Jaishankar is on a five-day visit to Australia, from November 3 to November 7. “In terms of India and China, we have made some progress. You know, our relations were very, very disturbed for reasons all of you know. We have made some progress in what we call disengagement,” he said. Jaishankar added that India would need to evaluate the course it would take following the disengagement. “There are very large numbers of Chinese troops deployed along the Line of Actual Control who were not there before 2020 and we, in turn, have counter-deployed. There are other aspects of the relationship which also affected during this period. So clearly, we have to see after the disengagement, what is the direction we go. But we do think the disengagement is a welcome step. It opens up the possibility that you know, other steps could happen,” he added. Also read: J&K: Grenade blast in Srinagar injures 11; search for attackers underway Jaishankar said that after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Russia last month, expectations were that “both the national security advisor and myself would meet our counterpart. So that's really where things are." Indian EAM's comments come just days after Indian and Chinese troops completed disengagement at two tense areas in eastern Ladakh: Demchok and the Depsang Plains. Following a verification process, the Indian Army has recommenced patrols at two points of contention along the border. The stand-off between India and China arose due to China's aggressive actions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Indian officials have repeatedly stressed that relations between the two countries can only be restored to normal once the situation along the LAC reverts to the conditions that existed before May 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

India-China ties: EAM Jaishankar says Ladakh disengagement could lead to ‘other steps’

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar has said ties with Beijing have "significantly damaged" this year in the backdrop of the Galwan incident and the ongoing buildup which has "completely changed national sentiment".

India lost 20 of its soldiers die to aggressive action by Chinese forces at Galwan Valley in June this year.

Speaking at a virtual event Jaishankar said, "we are today probably at the most difficult phase of our relationship with China. Certainly in the last 30-40 years. The last time there were military casualties on our borders was in 1975."

The Chinese forces had started build-up in April-march period and still continue&nbsp;to remain at the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

The EAM pointed out that direction of ties were "positive" since 1988, because while border issues were being discussed "you never had a major breach of this understanding" which included "not to bring large force".

"China has given India five&nbsp;different explanation on the current situation but a number of agreement are being violated by the country including bringing tens of thousands of soldiers in full military preparation mode right to the LAC in Ladakh" and&nbsp;"naturally the relationship will be profoundly disturbed by this", he said.

The big challenge he said is, "How do we get the relationship back is a very big issue, we are very clear maintaining peace and tranquillity at LAC is the basis of the rest of the relationship to progress."

A number of diplomatic and military talks have taken place between the two countries to defuse the situation.&nbsp;

EAM Jaishankar and&nbsp;defence minister Rajnath Singh both had met there respective counterparts in September in Moscow but the stand-off continues at the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar has said ties with Beijing have "significantly damaged" this year in the backdrop of the Galwan incident and the ongoing buildup which has "completely changed national sentiment".

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar has said ties with Beijing have "significantly damaged" this year in the backdrop of the Galwan incident and the ongoing buildup which has "completely changed national sentiment". India lost 20 of its soldiers die to aggressive action by Chinese forces at Galwan Valley in June this year. Speaking at a virtual event Jaishankar said, "we are today probably at the most difficult phase of our relationship with China. Certainly in the last 30-40 years. The last time there were military casualties on our borders was in 1975." The Chinese forces had started build-up in April-march period and still continue to remain at the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in eastern Ladakh. The EAM pointed out that direction of ties were "positive" since 1988, because while border issues were being discussed "you never had a major breach of this understanding" which included "not to bring large force". "China has given India five different explanation on the current situation but a number of agreement are being violated by the country including bringing tens of thousands of soldiers in full military preparation mode right to the LAC in Ladakh" and "naturally the relationship will be profoundly disturbed by this", he said. The big challenge he said is, "How do we get the relationship back is a very big issue, we are very clear maintaining peace and tranquillity at LAC is the basis of the rest of the relationship to progress." A number of diplomatic and military talks have taken place between the two countries to defuse the situation. EAM Jaishankar and defence minister Rajnath Singh both had met there respective counterparts in September in Moscow but the stand-off continues at the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

India, China ties significantly damaged this year: Jaishankar

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has issued a strong statement on China. Jaishankar has said that China has become more nationalistic in its approach. EAM Jaishankar also talked about border tensions between India & China and said that this is the most difficult phase with china in last 30 years.

India's EAM Jaishankar: Most difficult phase with China in last 30 years