India's response was 'strong and firm', says Jaishankar on China's attempt to change status quo at LAC

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday highlighted India's 'strong and firm' counter-response to China, which tried to unilaterally change the status quo on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in May 2020, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, and more recently in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh in December, last year.

Speaking at the Tughlaq's 53rd Annual Day Function, the External Affairs minister said, "On the Northern borders, China is seeking to change the status quo by bringing large forces, violating our agreements. Despite Covid, remember, this happened in May 2020. Our counter-response was strong and firm.

He said the Indian forces deployed along the border were continuing to safeguard the
frontiers in the most extreme and harshest weather conditions

"These troops deployed in thousands, safeguard our frontiers in the most extreme terrain and harshest weather," he added. Expanding on why India mattered more to the world now, Jaishankar said the world saw in India's response to China that it is "a nation that will not be coerced and will do what it takes to ensure its national security".

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He also emphasized the geo-political significance and geo-strategic location of India.