External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has stressed that border stability is essential for normal India-China relations, while highlighting trade imbalances and market access challenges for Indian businesses at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi. (Images: X)
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has reiterated that peace along the India-China border is essential for normalising bilateral relations, while raising concerns over trade imbalances and limited market access for Indian businesses in China.
While speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi, Jaishankar said disruptions along the border would inevitably affect ties between the two countries. He noted that although India and China have yet to agree on a common boundary, relations had developed during decades without fatal clashes before the deadly confrontations of 2020.
Jaishankar said the 2020 clashes, which resulted in soldiers being killed on both sides, marked a significant departure from the relative peace that had prevailed since 1975. Restoring peace and tranquillity required years of negotiations, he added. According to the minister, conditions along the border have improved considerably since 2024, allowing bilateral relations to gradually move towards normalcy. He stressed that maintaining stability in border areas remains a basic requirement for progress in other aspects of the relationship.
On the possibility of greater Chinese investment in India following an early harvest agreement, Jaishankar said discussions were underway. However, he clarified that investment decisions and market access policies would be addressed separately from the boundary dispute. The minister also highlighted India's growing concerns over the imbalance in bilateral trade. He argued that Indian companies face difficulties accessing the Chinese market, even in sectors where they have performed well internationally.
Jaishankar said India was not receiving the same level of market access and business opportunities in China that Chinese companies enjoy in India.
In September, Jaishankar described bilateral relations as better than in previous years, citing progress on outstanding border issues and renewed diplomatic engagement.
His latest remarks underline India's approach to China: continued engagement remains possible, but sustained border peace and fairer economic opportunities are important elements of a more balanced relationship.
