Jaishankar says stable LAC essential for India-China relationship normalisation

At the Bloomberg New Economy Forum, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized that a stable Line of Actual Control is indispensable for any normalisation of India-China relations, warning that border disruptions would trigger consequences. He observed that tensions have eased considerably since 2024, with both sides implementing confidence-building measures after the 2020 Galwan clashes ended the long-standing peace.

Jaishankar linked the prospect of expanding trade and investment to sustained peace, stating that India is considering various options for Chinese investment but will not tie business deals to the boundary resolution. He also highlighted a heavily one-sided trade balance favouring China and cited concerns over market access for Indian firms in Chinese markets. The minister reiterated that maintaining tranquillity along the border remains the fundamental bar for further diplomatic and economic progress.