Bridging differences: Russian diplomat calls for trust in India-China border talks
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): On Monday, Russia expressed its support for the recent agreement between India and China regarding the disengagement of troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Russian envoy Denis Alipov emphasized that resolving the border dispute amicably will require commitment and trust from both nations.
India announced a new agreement with China on patrolling arrangements on the LAC just two days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping met at the Brics Summit in Kazan, Russia, on October 23. During this meeting, the two leaders agreed to revive various mechanisms aimed at addressing the border dispute and normalizing bilateral relations.
Alipov stated, “We welcome and are pleased that the first meeting between the leaders of China and India took place in Kazan after a five-year hiatus. This is a very positive development for their bilateral relations.” He acknowledged that the India-China border dispute is “very complicated” and will necessitate a “difficult and lengthy negotiation process.” Drawing from history, he noted that a border dispute between Russia and China that lasted over 40 years was eventually resolved satisfactorily.
“I have no doubt that India and China will ultimately find success in addressing their border issues, but this will require determination, an open-hearted approach, and trust, which is likely the main prerequisite for a peaceful resolution,” he remarked during a media briefing.
Alipov clarified that Russia did not play a role in arranging the Modi-Xi meeting in Kazan. He added that Russia values stable relations and dialogue between India and China, considering it vital for security in the Eurasian region and globally.
Russia views India and China as the “main economic drivers” in the region and has consistently advocated for trust between the two nations, refraining from interfering in their bilateral negotiations or contentious matters like the border dispute. “We have always emphasized the need for improved relations between these major countries on the continent. We hope that progress on the border and high-level interactions, such as the one in Kazan, will pave the way for a closer and more trusted dialogue and ultimately resolve contentious issues,” he said.
Russia remains India’s largest supplier of military hardware, providing around 60% of its defense equipment, and has also become a significant source of crude oil following Western sanctions imposed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While India has not openly criticized Russia’s actions in Ukraine, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy instead, Indian policymakers are cautious about Russia's increasing strategic ties with China.
Alipov stressed the importance of India and China “speaking in one voice” to tackle global security and financial issues, particularly those affecting the Global South.
