In September 2020, S Jaishankar stated that the relationship between India and China had become “abnormal” due to China’s aggressive behavior at the border. He was referring to the ongoing border tensions between India and China, which escalated in June 2020 when a clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley resulted in the deaths of several Indian soldiers.
Jaishankar’s statement highlighted India’s concern about China’s actions, including its increasing military presence and infrastructure development in border areas claimed by India. He also emphasized that the border dispute should be resolved through peaceful means and dialogue.
The India-China relationship has a complex history, with periods of cooperation and conflict. The border dispute has been a longstanding issue between the two countries, with both sides claiming parts of the border region as their own. While efforts have been made to resolve the dispute through talks, tensions continue to simmer.
India and China are two of the world’s largest and most populous countries, with a long history of cultural and economic ties. However, the two countries have also had a contentious relationship, with territorial disputes and geopolitical tensions dating back several decades.
The current border dispute between India and China dates back to the 1960s, when the two countries fought a brief war over their shared border in the Himalayan region. Since then, the two sides have been unable to agree on the precise location of their border, leading to periodic skirmishes and tensions.
In recent years, the border dispute has flared up again, with both sides accusing the other of encroaching on their territory. The most serious incident occurred in June 2020, when a clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese soldiers.
The border dispute is just one aspect of the broader India-China relationship, which is complex and multifaceted. The two countries have a significant trade relationship, with China being India’s largest trading partner. However, there are also concerns in India about China’s growing influence in the region, as well as its military and economic ambitions.
Overall, the India-China relationship is characterized by a mix of cooperation and competition, with both countries seeking to assert their interests on the global stage. The ongoing border dispute remains a major source of tension, and resolving it will require sustained efforts from both sides to find a mutually acceptable solution.