India-China Relations: A Shift Towards Normalcy

India-China Relations: A Shift Towards Normalcy\n\nIn recent times, the India-China relationship has witnessed a significant upswing, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attributing the improvement to the stabilizing of the relationship after the 2020 border standoff.\n\nJaishankar's comments come on the heels of President Xi Jinping's visit to India for the BRICS Leaders Summit, marking a significant upswing in bilateral relations. The minister's remarks have sparked interest in the international community, with many wondering what factors have contributed to this shift towards normalcy.\n\nOne of the key factors, according to Jaishankar, is the resolution of border issues. The 2020 border standoff had severely impacted normal contacts between the two nations, with trade continuing but official exchanges, visa issuance, and flights being impacted.\n\nHowever, with the border standoff resolved, it was natural for the relationship to start improving. Jaishankar noted that a standoff between India and China actually benefits third parties, not the two nations themselves.\n\nThis logic, which Delhi had long been conveying to Beijing, has finally been agreed upon by the Chinese side. Jaishankar emphasized that a standoff does not serve the interests of either India or China, but rather benefits third parties.\n\nThe minister also highlighted the importance of maintaining a fundamental principle of statecraft – not getting locked into a problem that benefits others. Jaishankar noted that this principle has been consistently maintained by India, and it has finally been agreed upon by the Chinese side.\n\nThe improvement in India-China relations has significant implications for the global order. Jaishankar noted that the world is moving towards greater multipolarity, with the most powerful country in the world, the United States, experiencing an erosion in alliances and a tendency to do it alone.\n\nThis has a huge impact on the thinking of the rest of the world, with countries looking for their optimal solutions to de-risk and diversify. Jaishankar emphasized that each country is looking for new partners and new solutions, and that is how the international order develops.\n\nThe UN is a witness to this development, and it is reflected in the conversations and meetings that global leaders had during the just-concluded high-level UNGA week.\n\nIn conclusion, the improvement in India-China relations is a significant development that has far-reaching implications for the global order. As the relationship continues to normalize, it is essential to maintain a fundamental principle of statecraft – not getting locked into a problem that benefits others. By doing so, India and China can work together to address common challenges and promote peace and stability in the region.\n\nThis shift towards normalcy in India-China relations is a positive development that has the potential to benefit both nations and the global community as a whole.