GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 15th May. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has addressedthe abnormal deployment of forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, emphasizing the imperative of prioritizing national security.
Speaking at an event organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Jaishankar underscored the significance of maintaining peace and tranquility on the India-China border, citing historical agreements dating back to Rajiv Gandhi’s visit to China in 1988. However, he noted a significant shift in 2020 when China violated multiple agreements by deploying a large number of forces to the border amid the COVID-19 lockdown in India.
The Galwan Valley clash in 2020, which resulted in the loss of 20 Indian soldiers, marked a turning point in India-China relations, prompting India to respond with counter-deployment of forces. Jaishankar characterized the current deployment of forces along the LAC as abnormal, emphasizing the ongoing tension between the two countries and the paramount importance of national security.
In addition to the security challenge posed by the LAC situation, Jaishankar addressed the economic implications of India’s reliance on imports from China, highlighting the need to reduce dependency on external sources, particularly in sensitive sectors. He stressed the importance of shorter and more reliable supply chains and emphasized the national security obligation to safeguard core industries.
Turning to India’s relations with Russia, Jaishankar acknowledged the positive trajectory of bilateral ties, citing the potential for economic cooperation, particularly in natural resource extraction.
Reflecting on India’s economic progress, Jaishankar commended the country’s achievements over the past decade, with the GDP poised to reach $5 trillion in the coming years. However, he lamented the historic neglect of the manufacturing and infrastructure sectors, attributing it to the erstwhile license and permit Raj, which hindered growth and job creation.
Jaishankar expressed optimism about India’s economic growth trajectory, emphasizing the government’s focus on infrastructure development and the revival of manufacturing as key drivers of progress.
In his address, Jaishankar highlighted the multifaceted challenges facing India, from security concerns along the LAC to economic vulnerabilities stemming from dependency on imports. He underscored the government’s commitment to addressing these challenges and steering India towards sustainable growth and security.
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