NB Viewpoint | India faces a "very complicated challenge" with China
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"When I talk about big powers, of course, we have a particular challenge from China. That challenge is a very complicated challenge, but in the last three years it has been particularly visible in the border areas" - Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister
New Delhi, May 29: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said India faces a "very complicated challenge" from China, and the Narendra Modi government has taken steps to ensure no attempts are made to change the status quo in the border areas unilaterally.
On Saturday, Jaishankar added that this challenge has been "very visible" for the last three years in border areas, adding that both nations need to find an equilibrium in the relationship, however, it cannot be achieved just on the terms proposed by the other party.
On situation with China, EAM Jaishankar points to "complicated challenge" at border areas; says, 'responses undertaken by govt"; Also highlights challenges India faced on Quad, connectivity due to China ( without mentioning it) pic.twitter.com/aAR9c2LSrF
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“If peace and tranquillity between the two nations is disturbed, their relationship will not remain unaffected,” the minister added in his speech on 'Modi's India: A Rising Power' at the Anant National University.
"When I talk about big powers, of course, we have a particular challenge from China. That challenge is a very complicated challenge, but in the last three years it has been particularly visible in the border areas," Jaishankar stated while referring to the incursions of China in eastern Ladakh.
"There are clearly responses that are required, and those responses have been undertaken by the government. And a lot of it to ensure that no attempt is made to unilaterally change the status quo in the border areas," he added.
“The two countries will have to find some kind of equilibrium, and all the past governments in their own ways tried to find a balance. But that balance cannot be on the terms of the other party. Then it is not a balance. There has to be something mutual. Mutual respect, sensitivity and interest have to be the basis of the relationship,” the external affairs minister stated.
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"How can we get along long term if you don't respect me, if you are not sensitive to my concerns, if you ignore my interest?" he quizzed, further stating that if India will receive respect, sensitivity and recognition, then the country can hope for a better relationship with China.
"But if we do not, I think we need to stand up for our rights, and we need to be firm in asserting opposition. And that, unfortunately, currently is the situation," he stated. "If India sees respect, sensitivity and recognition, it can think of a better relationship with China", he said.
Jaishankar said the Quad countries are today discussing maritime collaboration, infrastructure connectivity, 5G and vaccines, among other issues. India is also interacting with a group of countries to its West, such as Israel, United States and United Arab Emirates.