Communication was integral during India-China clashes: EAM S Jaishankar

External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday encouraged Australia and China to keep communication lines open and recalled how India had maintained communication with Beijing even at the height of the Galwan crisis.

Jaishankar said communication was integral during the conflicts and border clashes between India and China. "For me, diplomacy is about communication," he told the Lowy Institute on Tuesday during his ongoing visit to Australia.

"Shutting down talking, burning bridges... I would not recommend it." "At the end of the day, countries have to deal with each other and you have to find some way of keeping that going."


"Two and a half very difficult years in our relationship with China - but my endeavour has been to keep the communication lines open," he pointed out. Referring to ties with the US, the minister noted, "Since 2000 - five very different presidents (were there) but consistent on the relationship with India. The Biden admin is extraordinarily experienced; very determined to get along with the world. US is the big reason Quad is working well."

It may be recalled that Australia and China ties are also facing headwinds since the Covid. Jaishankar identified the 'three C challenge' India and Australia had to work together to address -- Covid, conflict and climate change.

He said the second iteration of Quad in 2017, which includes Australia, Japan and the United States, continues to work due to improvements in bilateral relationships.

Jaishankar said the Australia-India relationship had to be developed more, but was now moving ahead at pace. "I'm pretty confident this relationship is going to go well," he said.