North News
New Delhi, December 6
India and China are set to hold Special Representative (SR) talks in Delhi later this month, led by Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, sources said. The discussions aim to advance border de-escalation efforts and manage bilateral relations. Speaking in Parliament on December 3, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) for improving ties.
Jaishankar informed lawmakers that the disengagement phase along the LAC has concluded, with the focus shifting to de-escalation and operational management at the borders. He noted his recent meeting with Wang Yi reaffirmed commitments to resume SR-level and Foreign Secretary-level talks.
“The conclusion of disengagement allows us to address other bilateral issues while safeguarding national security,” Jaishankar said. However, he emphasized challenges persist, with China occupying 38,000 sq. km of Indian territory in Aksai Chin and Pakistan ceding 5,180 sq. km to China in 1963.
Tensions spiked in 2020 when border stand-offs disrupted patrolling, followed by the Galwan Valley clashes, marking the first fatalities in 45 years. Jaishankar lauded the Indian armed forces for their decisive response despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
