December 10, 2020 5:33:09 am
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday that China has given India “five different explanations” for the deployment of large forces along the Royal Line of Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, adding that This violation of the bilateral pacts has “significantly damaged” their relationship. which is now in its “most difficult phase” in the last 30-40 years.
Speaking during an interactive online session hosted by the Australian think tank Lowy Institute, Jaishankar said: “We are very clear that maintaining peace and quiet in LAC is the foundation for the rest of the relationship to move forward. You can’t have the kind of situation you have at the border and say let’s get on with life in all other sectors of activity. It’s unrealistic. “
He said that starting in 1993, multiple agreements were signed between the two parties with the commitment that both parties will not bring large forces to the border areas.
“Now, for some reason, why the Chinese have given us five different explanations to date, the Chinese have violated it. The Chinese have literally brought tens of thousands of soldiers in full military readiness mode directly to the LAC in Ladakh. Naturally, the relationship would be deeply disturbed by this, ”he said.
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