UN Chief Hopes for Strengthened India-China Relations Following Border Agreement

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed optimism for improved relations between India and China following their recent agreement on border de-escalation. This sentiment was conveyed by his Deputy Spokesperson, Farhan Haq, during a daily briefing on Tuesday.

Haq stated, “We certainly welcome any positive engagement between the nations of China and India, and we hope that the process of good neighborly relations will be strengthened.” The agreement aims to bring an end to a four-year-long confrontation along the nearly 3,500-kilometer Line of Actual Control (LAC), which has been marked by tensions, including a fatal clash in June 2020.

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced on Monday that the two nations had reached an accord on patrolling arrangements that would facilitate disengagement in disputed areas along the border. Misri indicated that this agreement addresses issues that arose in 2020, when violent confrontations escalated tensions.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian welcomed the agreement, noting that China views it favorably and emphasized a commitment from both sides to implement the resolutions moving forward.

The agreement is particularly significant as it comes ahead of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, attended by leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Guterres will also participate in the summit, which represents not only Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa but has recently expanded to include five additional countries.

Hope is now resting on this diplomatic breakthrough to alleviate prolonged tensions and foster a spirit of cooperation between the two neighboring giants.