India and China have been locked in a bitter eight-month standoff that has significantly strained their ties since the two countries clashed at the Galwan Valley in June. Military commanders held several rounds of talks to deescalate tensions and ensure troops from both countries pulled back, agreeing in December for a complete disengagement in eastern Ladakh. But reports claim Beijing has continued its troop presence along the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC) and has now deployed tanks in front of Indian posts opposite Rezang La, Rechin La and Mukhpari.
And as a “very concerning” situation unfolds, Mr Ellwood has called on the Government to take action and show support to the Commonwealth nation.
He told Express.co.uk: “India is an important ally, it is another democratic nation that we have strong ties with under the Commonwealth.
“We should be offering our complete support to India as China flexes its muscles and takes advantage of the distraction the pandemic is causing.
“This is a flashpoint that is likely to get worse before it gets better.”
Last month Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set out the UK’s ambition for a stronger relationship over the next 10 years.
Mr Raab also announced that Prime Minister Boris Johnson would visit India in January.
But yesterday Mr Johnson cancelled his trip amid the new lockdown restrictions in the UK.
Mr Ellwood has urged the Government to continue working with India to avoid history repeating itself.
He added: “They signed up to Warsaw Pact military kit – most of their stuff comes from the Soviet Union or Russia.
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A Downing Street spokesman added: “In light of the national lockdown, and the speed at which the new coronavirus variant is spreading, the Prime Minister said that it was important for him to remain in the UK so he can focus on the domestic response to the virus.
“The leaders underlined their shared commitment to the bilateral relationship, and to continuing to build on the close collaboration between our countries – including in response to the pandemic.”
Number 10 said they hoped the rearranged visit would be “in the first half of 2021” and ahead of the G7 Summit which takes place in the UK later this year.
