With an estimated 50,000-60,000 troops stationed on either side of the India-China border in eastern Ladakh for nearly four years, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has remarked that the situation is “very tense and dangerous,” emphasizing the mutual interest of both countries in reducing the significant military presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Jaishankar made these comments during the Express Adda event held in New Delhi on Monday evening, where he engaged in a conversation with Anant Goenka, Executive Director of The Indian Express Group, and C Raja Mohan, Contributing Editor of The Indian Express.

Responding to a query from Zhou Yongsheng, political counsellor at the Chinese embassy in New Delhi, regarding the potential for China and India to forge common interests and partnership rather than rivalry, Jaishankar stressed the importance of reducing military forces along the LAC and adhering to existing agreements. He underscored the detrimental impact of tension between the two nations and expressed his commitment to seeking a fair and respectful resolution that maintains the status quo and upholds agreements.

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Regarding the prospect of a stronger stance on the border issue with a larger parliamentary majority, Jaishankar dismissed the notion, asserting that the fairness of a boundary solution is independent of political majority. He emphasized the need for a fair deal rather than a focus on political dynamics.

The Minister also highlighted his ongoing communication with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, emphasizing their engagement even in the wake of the Galwan incident. He reiterated the precarious nature of the current situation at the LAC.

The Express Adda event saw the participation of several diplomats, including German Ambassador Phillip Ackermann, Australian High Commissioner Philip Green, Indonesian Ambassador Ina Krishnamurti, Nepal Ambassador Shankar Prasad Sharma, and Bhutan Ambassador Major General Vetsop Namgyel, among others.

During the extensive discussion, Jaishankar touched upon various foreign policy matters, including India-Pakistan relations. He stressed the importance of addressing terrorism in bilateral talks and expressed openness to dialogue with the Pakistani military.

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On the subject of coalition governments in India, Jaishankar expressed a preference for majority governments, highlighting the significance of debates in a democracy while lamenting the tendency to attribute political agendas to questioning.

In a lighter vein, the Minister shared insights into his diplomatic interactions, including exchanging WhatsApp messages with fellow foreign ministers. He highlighted the evolving nature of diplomacy and the importance of personal connections in contemporary international relations.

As a career diplomat-turned-politician and a prominent voice in India’s foreign policy discourse, Jaishankar has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s global positioning, evident through his authored works such as “The India Way” and “Why Bharat Matters.”