WASHINGTON: India has virtually ruled out any involvement of a third party in its border dispute with China after US President Donald Trump expressed his willingness to offer support if it could help resolve the ongoing issue between the two neighboring countries, according to news agency PTI.
“New Delhi has always adopted a bilateral approach in dealing with these issues,” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Thursday during a media briefing in the US.
As a matter of long-held policy, India has been maintaining that there is no role for any third party in any of its bilateral issues or disputes with any country.
In response to a question about Trump’s offer to mediate between India and China, Misri said “Your question about the offer to mediate between India and China, I think, I suspect you know the answer to this question. ”
“Whatever issues we have with any of our neighbours, we have always adopted a bilateral approach to dealing with these issues. It’s no different between India and China,” he added.
“We have been discussing any issues that we have with them on a bilateral plane, and we will continue to do so,” Misri added.
Trump made the offer of support following discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a media briefing where he was asked about India’s strained relations with China over the border issue.
“I do see the skirmishes on the border, which are quite vicious, and I guess they continue to go on. If I could be of help, I would love to help as that should be stopped,” US President Trump said.
Trump also referred to China as a “very important player” globally, suggesting that Beijing could play a role in helping resolve the war in Ukraine.
Trump also underlined the importance of cooperation among India, China, Russia and the US. “I would hope that China and India and Russia and the US and all of us can get along. It’s very important,” he said.
India-China relations have been under strain since the Galwan Valley clashes between their militaries in June 2020.
Following the completion of a disengagement process and an agreement to withdraw troops from Depsang and Demchok—two remaining points of friction in eastern Ladakh—the two sides held talks in Kazan on October 23.
Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the resumption of various dialogue mechanisms during this meeting.
India has consistently stated that its relationship with China cannot return to normal until peace is restored along the border areas.
