In a significant breakthrough, four years after the Galwan Valley clash, India and China have reached a patrolling arrangement along the Line of Actual Control. Soon after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced it, saying it could reduce tensions between the neighbours, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said at the NDTV World Summit that Indian and Chinese troops will be able to patrol the border area in the same way as they Used to do earlier. May 2020 face to face.
Here’s what this agreement means and why it’s important
De-escalation: The agreement signals a step towards reducing tensions in the region where both countries have deployed thousands of troops. The 2020 changes in patrolling norms reduce the chances of skirmishes or escalation due to close military encounters.
Stabilization: The agreement helps stabilize the situation along the LAC by potentially reducing confrontation at friction points such as the Depsang Plain and Demchok. Stability along the LAC can foster a better environment for comprehensive dialogue on border issues.
confidence building: Resumption of patrolling as per pre-2020 terms is a confidence-building measure. This indicates a mutual desire on both sides to return to the status quo that they found acceptable before the recent tensions. This also opens the way for further talks.
Political Implications: The agreement could facilitate high-level diplomatic interactions, such as potential meetings between leaders at international forums, and enhance bilateral relations outside of military confrontation. For India, this could mean better managing the development of its border infrastructure without the immediate threat of conflict. As far as China is concerned, this may reflect a strategic choice to stabilize its border with India amid other global tensions.
galwan conflict background
In a major tension along the Line of Control, Indian and Chinese troops clashed in the Galwan Valley on June 15, 2020. The incident was the first deadly confrontation in the region since 1975 and resulted in casualties on both sides. While 20 Indian soldiers were martyred in the clash, there are varying claims about the number of Chinese casualties. The development of border infrastructure and differing perceptions of the LAC led to the clash. Following the clash, both sides are engaged in talks to reduce tensions amid heightened tensions in bilateral relations.
other friction points
Apart from Galwan, there are at least four other friction points along the Line of Actual Control. These are all disputed areas where fighting took place between Indian and Chinese troops in the 1962 war.
Demchok: Demchok is divided by the LAC. India has control over the western part. The eastern part is under the control of China, which also claims the western part. The dispute hinges on historical treaties and the exact alignment of the LAC along the Charing Strait. The aim of the recent talks is to withdraw the troops.
Pangong: About 50 percent of the Pangong Lake area is in Tibet (under Chinese control), 40 percent in Ladakh and 10 percent is disputed. Discrepancies in LAC perceptions lead to military standoff and buffer zone, ongoing construction and strategic situation reflects tensions and claims of both the countries.
hot Springs: Located near Gogra Post, the Hot Springs area is important for India due to its strategic location which facilitates surveillance along the LAC. India’s control over this area enhances its defense posture, providing a vantage point to monitor activities in Aksai Chin, thus playing a vital role in border security dynamics.
Depsang: The Depsang plains are important to India because of its strategic access to the Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) airstrip and the Darbuk-Shyok-DBO road. Control of Depsang prevents Chinese forces from threatening these vital logistics lines, making it essential for the defense of India’s northern border and military mobility.
