External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar acknowledged India's military forces and diplomatic teams for the recent agreement with China on patrolling at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), stating the Army has been operating in "extremely challenging" conditions to secure the nation.

Speaking to students in Pune, Jaishankar highlighted that while the agreement represents significant progress, restoring normal relations with China will be a gradual process due to the time needed to rebuild trust and foster collaboration.

“Our main priority now is border security. Achieving this did not happen overnight—it was the result of detailed negotiations and teamwork. The budget allocated for troop deployment along the China border has grown fivefold, allowing for a robust presence even in severe, cold conditions. Infrastructure has been developed in remote areas to support these deployments, and it has all come together through coordinated efforts across government, diplomacy, and military channels," Jaishankar explained.External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar interacting with students in Pune.