According to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh is still “very fragile” and “quite dangerous” despite the significant progress made in the disengagement process. The minister made the observation on Saturday, following Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande’s statement the previous day that the situation was “stable” but required close monitoring.
Jaishankar stated that although progress has been made in the disengagement process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the situation remains fragile and dangerous due to close troop deployment. According to reports, he noted an in-principle agreement with China in September 2020 to resolve the issue but said it was up to China to follow through. He also emphasised that the relationship between the two countries cannot return to normal until China delivers on its commitments and respects agreements.
“This is a very, I would say, challenging and abnormal phase in our ties with China. From 1988, when Rajiv Gandhi went there till 2020, the understanding was that peace and tranquility on the border would be maintained,” he added.
