During a recent meeting in Canberra, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed the changing nature of the India-China relationship with Australian Strategic Policy Institute researcher Justin Bassi. This discussion follows important events, most notably a border disengagement deal signed in October 2024 between China and India to reduce tensions that had remained high since the bloody confrontations in the Galwan Valley in 2020.
The relationship between China and India is important for both countries as well as for the larger Asian environment, Jaishankar emphasized. “I think the India-China relationship is key to the future of Asia,” he said, implying that a multipolar global order depends on its stability. He pointed out that this relationship’s significance transcends regional boundaries and will have a major impact on global dynamics.
Jaishankar emphasized that the agreement to disengage troops from key locations of tension along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is a step in the right direction for strengthening bilateral relations. Although he acknowledged that there had been “some improvements” in the relationship, he said that the “mutual sensitivity, mutual respect, and mutual interests” concepts still govern it. The process of disengagement
Looking ahead, Jaishankar said that de-escalation along the border will be the top focus when disengagement was finished. He emphasized that any future growth in bilateral relations requires peace and tranquility. The minister also emphasized that handling future contacts and addressing unresolved issues relating to boundary disputes require ongoing diplomatic engagement.
Jaishankar also discussed how India strikes a balance between being a part of QUAD and the BRICS bloc, which he clarified is non-western but not anti-western.
