Very painful, still dealing with some parts: Mea Jaishankar clashes in Galwan Valley in 2020

Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar commented on the 2020 Galvan conflict, which created tensions between India and China, saying the two countries were working to rebuild the ties damaged by the Galvan Valley conflict in 2020, but some issues remain unresolved. He added that tensions benefited from the country.

“It was not only a bloodshed, but a disregard for the written agreement…a departure from the terms of the agreement was very sharp and very substantial,” Jaishankar said.

Jaishankar acknowledged that despite the improvement in relations since October, some challenges remain. “We are still dealing with some of this, and that’s not to say the problem has completely disappeared,” he said, noting that efforts are being made to resolve the damage from the conflict in 2020, adding: “We sincerely believe it is in our common interest.”
India and China reached a disengagement agreement with Depsang and Demchok in October, the last two friction points in eastern Ladakh. A few days later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks in Kazan, leading to a decision aimed at improving bilateral relations.

Jaishankar stressed the importance of managing differences to prevent them from becoming controversial. “We do compete on many issues. But because we compete, that doesn’t mean there should be conflict between us. We’re very realistic about it,” he said.

In October, India and China identified the disengagement between Depsang and Demchok, the last two key points of friction in eastern Ladakh. After the agreement was finalized, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping negotiated in Kazan and made many decisions to improve the differences between India and China.

He said India and China may have differences in the foreseeable future, but they should not be a dispute.

“We do compete on many issues. But because we compete, that doesn’t mean there should be a conflict between us. We are very realistic about it.”

He said there are some solutions to the problem.

Jaishankar said the tensions between the two countries did not support the interests of both sides.

“How we benefit from building tensions with a large number of troops in a very hostile environment and in all the collateral damage caused to this relationship,” he said.

He added: “Obviously, if peace and tranquility in the border areas are disturbed, the rest of the relationship will not continue.”