• China illegally occupies 38,000 km² of Indian territory in Aksai Chin
• Pakistan illegally gave 5,180 km² of Indian land to China in 1963
• India responded to Galwan clashes with strong military, diplomatic measures
Srinagar, Dec 03: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Tuesday informed the Parliament that the ties with China have been abnormal since 2020, when peace and tranquillity in the border areas were disrupted due to Chinese actions.
Jaishankar said that despite recent progress through diplomatic engagement, major issues remain unresolved.
He said China illegally occupies 38,000 km² of Indian territory in Aksai Chin, a result of the 1962 conflict and preceding events. “Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 km² of Indian territory to China in 1963, which has been under occupation since 1948,” he said.
Jaishankar said that India and China have been in talks for decades to resolve the boundary issue. “While the Line of Actual Control exists, the lack of common understanding in certain areas continues to create challenges,” he said.
He also said that India remains committed to bilateral discussions with China to resolve these disputes. “We aim to reach a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable framework for a boundary settlement,” he added.
Jaishankar said that the situation in April-May 2020 worsened when China deployed a large number of troops along the LAC in eastern Ladakh. “This led to face-offs with our forces at several points and disrupted patrolling activities.”
He said the Indian armed forces responded swiftly and effectively to these challenges. “Despite the logistical difficulties and the Covid-19 pandemic, our forces managed rapid counter-deployment to address the situation,” he added.
Jaishankar said that fatalities in 2020 were the first along LAC with China in 45 Years.
Speaking on the impact of the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes on India-China relations, he recalled the efforts made over the decades to maintain peace along the Line of Actual Control.
He said that the violent clashes in Galwan Valley in June 2020, which resulted in fatalities for the first time in 45 years, were a turning point in India-China relations. “These clashes led to heavy weapon deployments near the LAC, requiring a determined counter-deployment by our forces and a diplomatic push to defuse tensions,” he said.
Jaishankar said India’s contemporary ties with China are rooted in a 1988 understanding to resolve boundary disputes peacefully. “In 1991, both sides agreed to maintain peace along the LAC until a final boundary settlement was reached,” he added.
He said several agreements have been made to strengthen confidence-building measures. “In 1993, an agreement was signed to maintain peace, and in 1996, further steps were taken for confidence-building in military fields along the LAC.”
He said a Declaration of Principles for Relations and Comprehensive Cooperation was finalized in 2003, leading to the appointment of special representatives for the boundary issue. “In 2005, a protocol was developed for implementing confidence-building measures, along with political parameters for settling the boundary question,” he said.
Jaishankar also said that additional mechanisms were established to maintain peace. “In 2012, the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) was created, and in 2013, an understanding on border defence cooperation was reached,” he said.
“The Galwan clashes of 2020 disrupted this long-standing framework, marking a serious moment for our overall relationship with China,” he concluded.
