'Interest In Equilibrium But Difficult To Reach': Jaishankar Highlights Complexity In India-China Ties, Stresses Strategic Partnerships

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar recently acknowledged the "high complexity" of India-China relations, emphasising the need for both nations to achieve a balance.

In a conversation with C Raja Mohan, a contributing editor at The Indian Express at the launch of the foreign policy magazine India’s World in New Delhi, Jaishankar remarked, “Eventually, it’s in the interest of both India and China to reach an equilibrium. Conceptually, it’s difficult to do because both are changing in absolute terms and vis-a-vis the world.”

He elaborated on the evolving dynamics, saying, “The world is changing, they (India and China) are changing, their relationship with the world is changing and their relationship with each other is also changing. In all these changes, how do you find equilibrium? It’s not going to be easy.”

Addressing ongoing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), he noted, “We are still grappling with the short term (issue), which is to focus on de-escalation. While disengagement has been worked out, there are other issues which confront us.”

India and China recently reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements in October, marking progress in their efforts to address border disputes.

“Russia is a very unique aspect of India’s foreign policy and a major power globally, and certainly in Eurasia, it is something more than that,” he said. He also underscored the strategic importance of neighbors, adding, “In International Relations 101, your neighbour’s neighbour has an enormous value.”

India’s growing economy, he said, will shape its foreign policy priorities. “Today, India is finding new convergences and intersections. A country like India at this stage of its growth, the resource powers of the world have to be our major partners. India’s economic trajectory will put some premium on (its ties with) countries like Russia, Indonesia, Australia, or even Canada,” he explained.

On India’s relationship with the US, Jaishankar noted the candid nature of discussions, stating, “As part of our relationship with the US, we have very honest conversations on where we agree and where we don’t,” while describing the partnership as “large and important.”

He also highlighted Europe’s relevance in areas like supply chains, AI, semiconductors, and digital exchanges, saying, “There is a broad intersection which needs to be built upon.”