In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, India and China have reached a patrolling arrangement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Himalayas, potentially paving the way for disengagement and resolution of tensions that began in May 2020. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced this development today, just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia for the BRICS summit.
India and China on Patrolling Agreement on LAC
According to reports from PTI, the agreement is believed to cover patrolling in the Depsang and Demchok areas, which have been flashpoints in recent years. Misri stated that diplomatic and military negotiators from both countries have engaged in several rounds of talks over the past few weeks, resulting in “patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border areas leading to disengagement and a resolution of the issues that had risen in these areas in 2020.”
While no official announcement has been made, speculation is rife about a potential bilateral meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.
The last meeting of the working mechanism for consultation and coordination on India-China border affairs took place on August 29 in Beijing. Both sides agreed that restoring peace and tranquillity, along with respect for the LAC, is crucial for normalizing bilateral relations.
Here’s what Army Chief on India & China border dispute said:
Earlier this month, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi noted that while “low-hanging fruits” have been resolved, addressing more difficult situations remains. He mentioned “positive signalling” from the diplomatic side, with execution dependent on military commanders.
The agreement comes after a series of disengagement efforts, including the withdrawal of troops from Gogra-Hot Springs in Ladakh in September 2022. However, some areas, particularly in the Depsang plains, remained under Chinese control.
This development marks a potential turning point in India-China relations, which have been strained since the violent clashes in Galwan Valley in June 2020, resulting in casualties on both sides. As both nations move towards de-escalation, the international community watches closely, hoping for sustained peace and stability in the region.
