Washington: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, after beginning his second term, stated on Tuesday that India will prioritize resolving its border disputes with China, which have long strained their relationship. The United States extends its best wishes to India in its efforts to ease tensions with China, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State remarked on Wednesday, but noted that Chinese leader Xi Jinping has difficulty showing flexibility on territorial issues. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar reaffirmed Indias focus on resolving border disputes with China following his reappointment.

Kurt Campbell, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and key figure in strengthening U.S.-India ties to counter Chinas influence, was asked about Jaishankars comments during a session at a Washington think tank. Whenever two nations can reduce tensions, we must support that, Campbell said. We wish the Indians well in their discussions. He added that the U.S. is very confident and comfortable with its own bilateral relationship with India and aims to maintain this positive momentum.

Campbell announced that he and Jake Sullivan, the U.S. national security adviser, would visit India next week to enhance cooperation. He expressed optimism about the U.S.-India partnership but acknowledged the challenging structural issues between China and India. Campbell emphasized that India would likely seek changes in Beijings approach to their disputed borders for any significant improvement in relations with China. He pointed out that under Xi Jinping, China has shown little flexibility or willingness to find common ground on territorial matters.

India and China share a 3,800 km (2,400 mile) border, much of which is poorly defined, and fought a war over it in 1962. A military standoff has been ongoing since July 2020, when deadly clashes resulted in the deaths of at least 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese troops, marking the worst conflict in five decades. Despite some disagreements, including over human rights, Washington has continued to strengthen its relationship with India.

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