This Unprecedented Development Will Have A Serious Impact On The Bilateral Relationship: EAM S Jaishankar On China

The External Affairs Minister and the State Councillor and Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, had a phone conversation this afternoon on recent developments in Ladakh. EAM S. Jaishankar said what happened in Galwan was premeditated and planned action by China which was responsible for the sequence of events. 

The telephonic conversation between foreign ministers took place after the violent clashes in the Galwan valley which was the worst moment of military flares-up along the border in more than five decades. As reported by Indian Army, 20 Indian Army personnel, including the commanding officer of 16 Bihar, were killed  on Monday in violent face-off with Chinese troops in the Galwan valley of Ladakh. The Army said there were casualties on both sides, although Beijing was silent on People’s Liberation Army (PLA) losses, admitting much later that there were casualties within PLA.

EAM conveyed the protest of the Government of India in the strongest terms on the violent face-off in Galwan Valley on 15 June 2020. He recalled that at the meeting of senior Military Commanders held on 6th June, an agreement was reached on de-escalation and disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). 

Ground commanders were meeting regularly to implement this consensus throughout the last week. While there was some progress, the Chinese side sought to erect a structure in Galwan valley on our side of the LAC. While this became a source of dispute, the Chinese side took pre-meditated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties. It reflected an intent to change the facts on ground in violation of all our agreements to not change the status quo.

EAM underlined that this unprecedented development will have a serious impact on the bilateral relationship. The need of the hour was for the Chinese side to reassess its actions and take corrective steps. The two sides should scrupulously and sincerely implement the understanding that was reached by the Senior Commanders on 6th June. Troops of both sides should also abide by the bilateral agreements and protocols. They should strictly respect and observe the Line of Actual Control and should not take any unilateral action to alter it.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the sacrifices of soldiers along the border “will not go in vain”. He has called for an all-party meeting at 5 pm on Friday, June 19 to discuss the situation along the India-China border. Presidents of various political parties are expected to take part in the virtual meeting.

The State Councillor and Foreign Minister of China, on his part, conveyed the Chinese position on recent developments.

At the conclusion of the discussion, it was agreed that the overall situation would be handled in a responsible manner, and both sides would implement the disengagement understanding of 6 June sincerely. Neither side would take any action to escalate matters and instead, ensure peace and tranquillity as per bilateral agreements and protocols said MEA.