‘Country will rise to occasion and meet challenge’
Terming the “events” along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) very disturbing, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said India was being tested in the seven-month long standoffs with China in Eastern Ladakh.
Making this observation here, he, however, expressed confidence that the country will rise to the occasion and meet the challenge. This assertion came two days after he had said the relations between India and China were at their worst phase in the last 30-40 years.
In an interactive session at the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Jaishankar also said what has happened in eastern Ladakh was not actually in China’s interest as it has significantly impacted public sentiment in India.
Calling the “events” along the LAC very disturbing, the External Affairs Minister said they have raised some very “basic concerns’’.
Asked whether it will be a long haul or a breakthrough is expected soon, Jaishankar said: “I would not go into prediction zone at all whether it is going to be easy or not, and what will be the timelines and so on.”
“I also believe that what has happened is not actually in the interest of China. Because what it has done has significantly impacted public sentiment (in India). Professionally, I have seen the evolution of how the Indian public feels about China over the last many decades and I am old enough to remember much more difficult days, especially in my childhood and in my teens,” the Minister said.
Jaishankar said a lot of work had gone into developing the relationship on both sides. “I do not believe that the events of this year have helped at all. In fact I think the real danger is that the goodwill which was so carefully developed will dissipate.”
“But I also would say that, yes, we are being tested. I have every confidence that we will rise to the occasion; we will meet that national security challenge. But beyond that, at this time, I would really frankly keep my own counsel,” Jaishankar said.
His comments came in the backdrop of talks at the military and diplomatic level to defuse the situation at the 1,700 km long LAC in eastern Ladakh failing. The ninth round of Corps Commander level talks between India and China are likely to take place soon.
Though India has all along favoured dialogue to address the outstanding issues, its forces are operationally ready to meet any challenge. The Army has deployed specially trained troops in mountain warfare in Ladakh besides ensuring uninterrupted logistical back up.
This includes adequate number of prefabricated heated huts for troops and winter clothing.
At present, more than one lakh troops from both the sides are stationed at the LAC in the standoffs and prepared for long haul. They have made preparations for staying put in the harsh winter months when temperatures dip to minus 30 degrees.