New Delhi/Leh, 21 October, 2024: India and China have reached a key patrolling agreement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Himalayas, a move that could pave the way for disengagement and reduce the tension that erupted after the May 2020 skirmishes, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced today.
This breakthrough comes just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Russia for the BRICS summit. The agreement, according to reports from PTI, covers the strategic areas of Depsang and Demchok.
Foreign Secretary Misri explained that after several rounds of negotiations between diplomatic and military officials from both nations, an understanding was reached on “patrolling arrangements along the LAC in the India-China border areas.” He emphasized that this arrangement could lead to disengagement and resolve lingering issues stemming from the 2020 clashes.
Although no formal announcement has been made, there is anticipation of a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the BRICS summit.
The last meeting of the working mechanism for consultation and coordination on India-China border affairs occurred in Beijing on August 29, where both sides engaged in what was described as a “frank, constructive, and forward-looking” dialogue. They agreed that the restoration of peace and respect for the LAC are vital for normalizing relations.
Earlier this month, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi noted that some of the simpler issues had been resolved, but more complex challenges remained. He also mentioned “positive signals” from diplomatic talks, adding that progress on the ground depended on military commanders.
Both Indian and Chinese military leaders have been meeting regularly to achieve full disengagement in eastern Ladakh, particularly in the aftermath of the September 2022 withdrawal of Chinese troops from Gogra-Hot Springs. Despite this, Chinese forces still hold significant portions of Indian territory in the Depsang plains.
The border tensions peaked in June 2020, with a deadly clash in Galwan Valley that resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers. More than 40 Chinese soldiers were also killed or injured in the confrontation.
