Significant Progress in India-China Relations: Agreement on Patrolling Arrangements at LAC
India and China have reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements, aiming to resolve tensions at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The deal, announced on October 21, 2024, includes unresolved territorial areas and follows extensive diplomatic discussions, with implications for upcoming meetings during the BRICS summit in Russia.
In a significant development, India and China have reportedly reached an agreement on “patrolling arrangements” that aims to de-escalate tensions at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), as announced by the Indian government on October 21, 2024. This arrangement not only addresses previously disengaged regions but also incorporates the unresolved areas of Demchok and Depsang, indicating a potential resolution of the standoff that has persisted since April 2020. While the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) refrained from disclosing detailed aspects of the agreement, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized that both nations have successfully negotiated critical issues surrounding military disengagement along the LAC. As he stated during a media briefing, “Over the last several weeks, Indian and Chinese diplomatic and military negotiators have been in close contact… leading to disengagement and a resolution of the issues that had arisen in these areas in 2020.” This announcement coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s impending participation in the BRICS summit in Russia, suggesting the likelihood of a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the summit’s sidelines. Although the specifics of such a meeting were not confirmed, it is understood that plans for various bilateral discussions are being considered. The breakthrough in negotiations follows a series of diplomatic engagements over recent months, featuring multiple meetings between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, as well as discussions involving National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Jaishankar noted the progress made during a summit, remarking on the understanding reached regarding patrolling, and pointed out that both nations had effectively restored operations to the pre-2020 status. He characterized the developments as a testament to “patient, persevering diplomacy,” underscoring that the successful negotiation of patrolling arrangements could present a basis for renewed peace and tranquility along the border.
India and China have faced escalating tensions along their shared border, particularly since the violent confrontations in June 2020, which resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers. Diplomatic efforts to resolve these disputes have been ongoing since then, with periodic negotiations aimed at establishing peace and preventing further military confrontations. The recent agreement on patrolling arrangements comes as a culmination of persistent dialogue between the two nations, signaling a potential thaw in their historically fraught relations.
The agreement on patrolling arrangements between India and China marks a significant step towards de-escalating tensions at the LAC. By addressing unresolved territorial disputes and confirming military disengagement, both nations have taken vital measures to restore peace along their border. As leadership meetings loom on the horizon at the BRICS summit, the outcomes of these negotiations could shape future interactions between the countries and create opportunities for enhanced diplomatic relations.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
Post Comment