'Much Better Than Before...': EAM Jaishankar On India-China Relations

Jaishankar said that India's relationship with China has become better than before.

Image: ANI

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said that India's relationship with China has improved significantly. He mentioned that discussions are currently focused on addressing collateral issues, including COVID-19, the resumption of direct flights, and the restart of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

"The relationship is much better than before. I think the disengagement, particularly the Depsang Demchok, was important," EAM said while talking at CNN News 18 Rising Bharat Summit 2025, ANI reported.

In a recent statement, He highlighted that these issues have been building up over several years due to a gradual force buildup. Jaishankar also pointed out that other factors, such as collateral impacts from the situation and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, have contributed to the complexity of the situation. 

"We are now addressing, to some extent, the issues on the border because there has been a force build-up over a period of years. There were many other things that also happened during this period. Some of it was collateral for the situation. Some of it was a carryover from the Covid era," he said.

Earlier in October 2024, India and China reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements in the Depsang Plains and Demchok, two friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The understanding was reached after earlier disengagement in other friction points in eastern Ladakh following meetings at diplomatic and military levels.