EAM: Border peace crucial for India-China relations

In the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar says de-escalation to be discussed in coming days

- RAJESH KUMAR THAKUR @ New Delhi

EXTERNAL Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday that peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control is a pre-requisite in advancing India-China bilateral ties and the two sides will be discussing de-escalation and effective management of activities in these areas in the coming days.

Making a statement on India-China relations in the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar said the government's next priority will be de-escalation, which will address the massing of troops along the LAC with associated accompaniments. He pointed out that full disengagement in eastern Ladakh had been achieved through a step-by-step process, culminating in Depsang and Demchok. Jaishankar said India remains clear that three key principles must be observed in all circumstances.