Play all audios:
Indian Army convoy moving towards the forward areas in Leh (ANI photo) NEW DELHI: The situation on the LAC between India and China was “unprecedented" and it could not be "business
as usual”, foreign secretary Harsh Shringla said while addressing a webinar at the Indian Council for World Affairs (ICWA). “The LAC situation one of the most serious challenges we have
faced in many years. The magnitude of the crisis is huge given that we had not lost lives in 40 years.As far as we are concerned, there will be no compromise in our sovereignty and
territorial integrity. At the same time, as a responsible nation, we are always willing to talk. Our communication lines are open,” Shringla said. “Also, we have not seen this magnitude of
amassing of forces on the border in recent years. This is something that we have to take stock of,” he added. Shringla said India continued to “remain engaged” militarily and diplomatically.
“We are talking to each other and are open to resolution through dialogue but unless there is peace and tranquillity on the border, normal relationships will be affected,” he added.
India-China standoff live updates On the neighbourhood, the foreign secretary said India’s relationship with Nepal was a people-to-people one. “Irrespective of decisions government take due
to politics, our relations have not suffered. With Sri Lanka, our relations will remain close. In summary, as we develop, it is important that the neighbourhood develops,” he added He said
Bimstec was moving forward but Saarc, while coming together for Covid-19 response, had its limitations of consensus and political will. Without naming Pakistan, Shringla said until one
country stopped obstructing and there was peace and stability, Saarc could not move. “One of our neighbours has been consistently involved in blocking Saarc in all of its constructive
activities,” he said.