Pune: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar noted that despite a recent patrolling agreement with China, rebuilding trust and cooperation will need time.

According to an NDTV report, during an interaction with university students in Pune, he explained that India’s military presence enabled the country to stand firm in negotiations, while diplomacy also played a critical role. Strengthening infrastructure in border areas has supported the effective deployment of troops.

Addressing the new patrolling and disengagement agreement in Eastern Ladakh’s Depsang and Demchok areas, Jaishankar said, "From 2020, the situation at the border has been very disturbed and that has, understandably, had a very negative impact on the overall relationship. Since September 2020, we have been negotiating with the Chinese on how to find a solution."

He emphasized the importance of disengagement to prevent incidents due to the close proximity of troops, with de-escalation and boundary settlement as longer-term goals.

Jaishankar highlighted the October 21 agreement that allows patrolling in Depsang and Demchok to resume as it was pre-2020, marking a step forward after two years of negotiation.

"This was important because it was an affirmation that if we can do the disengagement, then it is possible for the leadership level to meet," he said, referencing the recent Modi-Xi meeting in Russia during the BRICS summit.

On future ties, he remarked, "I think it is a bit early. We have to wait for things to settle themselves... it will naturally take time to rebuild a degree of trust and a willingness to work with each other."

He credited India's progress to the military’s steadfast presence in challenging conditions and the diplomatic efforts to reach consensus.

He also highlighted increased investment in border infrastructure, which has enabled effective military deployment.

According to Jaishankar, following the Modi-Xi meeting, foreign ministers and national security advisers were assigned to explore further steps in the relationship.

NDTV reported that satellite images showing the Chinese side removing structures in Depsang and Demchok, with disengagement set to complete by October 29.

Modi and Xi had expressed support for the agreement in their recent meeting.

The stand-off began in May 2020, with a deadly clash in Galwan Valley in June. After prolonged talks, troops withdrew from the Gogra-Hot Springs area in September 2022, returning to positions held before April 2020.