External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that last year’s border stand-off with China has disturbed the relations between the two countries, reported PTI.

Jaishankar said, “Events in eastern Ladakh last year have profoundly disturbed the relationship. They (events in Ladakh) not only signalled disregard for commitments on minimising troops but also showed willingness to breach peace.”

According to him, India is yet to receive an explanation from China regarding the deployment of large number of troops in the border areas in eastern Ladakh.

He said, “We are yet to receive credible explanation for change in China’s stance and massing of troops in border areas.”

He added, “Issue before us is what Chinese posture signals, how it evolves, what implications it may have for future of ties. Far from mitigating differences, events of 2020 have actually put our ties under exceptional stress.”

Jaishankar emphasised further that the ties between the nations can develop only with mutual intentions.

The foreign minister said, “Development of ties can only be based on mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, mutual interest. Any expectation that situation at border can be brushed aside and life can carry on undisturbed is not realistic.”

He added, “Agreements already reached must be adhered to in their entirety, both in letter and spirit. LAC must be strictly observed, respected; any attempt to unilaterally change status quo is completely unacceptable. .”

According to Jaishankar, further development of the stand-off will result in consequences for the whole world.

He said, “Peace in border areas basis for overall development of ties with China; if it is disturbed, so inevitably is rest of relationship.”

He added, “India-China relationship is at crossroads; choices that are made will have profound repercussions not just for two nations but for world.”