PTC Web Desk:  Bilateral relations between India and China, strained since April 2020 due to clashes in eastern Ladakh, have recently shown signs of improvement, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. He attributed this progress to continuous diplomatic engagement and a successful disengagement agreement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The ties between the two nations turned "abnormal" following a deadly confrontation in eastern Ladakh in April-May 2020, marking the first fatalities on both sides in 45 years. This situation resulted in heightened tensions, troop build-ups, and disruptions in patrolling activities along the border.

Addressing Parliament, Jaishankar said, "India remains committed to bilateral talks to arrive at a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable settlement for the border issue." He commended the Indian armed forces for their swift and effective counter-deployment despite the challenges posed by logistics and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Minister said diplomatic efforts since 2020 had guided bilateral relations towards some improvement, with the recent disengagement agreement being a positive step. The remarks came as part of a briefing during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.