Noting the reality of power shifts in the Indo-Pacific, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday referred to China and said that it is a cause for concern when a country does not observe written agreements with a neighbour.
Participating in the first Raisina Roundtable in Tokyo, Jaishankar said there are political and strategic consequences of "very big shifts" in capabilities, influence, and ambitions of nations in the Indo-Pacific and one has to "deal with that reality".
Illustrating New Delhi's own situation vis-a-vis China, he said for nearly 45 years, there was no bloodshed on the India-China border but things changed in 2020.
And today... we can disagree on many things, but when a country, sort of, does not observe written agreements with a neighbour, then I think you have cause for concern, because it then raises a question mark about the stability of the relationship, and frankly, about intentions," EAM Jaishankar said in response to a question.
He acknowledged that with shifting global dynamics, India's balance with other countries is changing as well and the challenge lies in creating "new equilibriums in a less frictional manner".
At a recent interactive session at a think-tank in New Delhi, Jaishankar said the government is focused on strengthening the border infrastructure and that there has to be an "equilibrium" in Sino-India relations.
The minister also stressed on China adhering to border management pacts and maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to ensure smooth ties.
The minister's remarks came weeks after the 21st round of the India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting, seeking complete disengagement in the remaining areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh as an essential basis for the restoration of peace and tranquillity in the border areas.
The two sides agreed to maintain communication through relevant military and diplomatic mechanisms and also committed to peace and tranquility on the ground in the border areas, according to a Ministry of External Affairs release.
A border standoff erupted between the two Asian giants on May 5, 2020, after a violent clash in the Pangong lake area with relations reaching a low point.
The two sides completed the disengagement process from several areas in 2021 after extensive diplomatic and military talks.
FM says GST rates to be reduced further, rationalised; Congress demands overhaul
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates will be reduced further as the process of rationalising tax slabs is nearing completion.
'Anti-incumbency is an issue of the past now': J.P. Nadda hails PM Modi's leadership in Tripura rally
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president J.P. Nadda on Sunday said that the political culture in India has changed after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, adding that people earlier used to talk about the anti-incumbency factor against the government.
Budget Session: Second leg to see fireworks over delimitation row, Trump's tariffs; Waqf Bill on govt's agenda
The second leg of the Budget session of Parliament is set to resume on Monday and is expected to be a stormy one with both the Opposition and Government ready to outdo each other on multiple issues.
PM Modi visits Vice President Dhankhar in AIIMS, wishes him speedy recovery
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday visited the AIIMS Delhi to enquire about the health of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and prayed for his speedy recovery.
India, EU to hold next round of trade talks on March 10
India and the European Union are scheduled to begin the next round of talks for a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) from Monday in Brussels with the aim of concluding the talks by the end of this year, a senior official said.
Nari Shakti is foundation of Viksit Bharat: CM Manik Saha
Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that women are crucial for making Ek Tripura Srestha Tripura and Nari Shakti of the 21st century is the foundation of Viksit Bharat.
BJP accuses CPI(M) of attempting to disrupt mega public gathering by making lies
Addressing the media on Saturday, Chakraborty claimed that the CPI(M) had a history of suppressing dissent during its rule, alleging that people who refused to participate in their rallies were deprived of employment opportunities under schemes like MNREGA.
STGT aspirants holds protest near CM’s resident, demands recruitment
A large group of unemployed youth who had successfully passed the 2022 Selection Test for Graduate Teachers (STGT) exam took to the streets today, demanding immediate recruitment.