India-China Agreement on LAC: Progress Towards Resolution or Further Complications?
India and China have reportedly agreed to restore patrolling rights in the Depsang Plains and Demchok region following tensions that escalated in 2020. The agreement facilitates Indian Army patrols at designated points, incorporating measures to prevent clashes and promote coordination between troops. While the agreement is significant, other friction points, including Galwan Valley and Pangong Tso, remain in contention. Future interactions will involve confidence-building measures and ongoing discussions to enhance trust and resolve remaining disputes.
India and China have made notable strides in addressing the military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, with both nations reportedly reaching an agreement that reinstates patrolling rights in key regions, specifically the Depsang Plains and Demchok. This agreement allows Indian forces to patrol points (PP) 10 to 13 in Depsang Plains and Charding Nullah in Demchok, as reported by The Indian Express, citing unnamed sources. The persistent frictions in these areas have been identified as legacy issues stemming from disputes that predate Chinese incursions in 2020. Additionally, mutual agreements for the eastern theatre have been reached, particularly regarding sensitive territories in Arunachal Pradesh, with commitments to hold further discussions on various eastern sectors at a later time. Under the current agreement, the Indian Army will resume patrolling in accordance with its perception of the LAC, maintaining a frequency of patrols twice a month, as outlined by sources. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has pointed out that this restoration of patrolling will reflect the practices prior to the border tensions that escalated in May 2020. To mitigate clashes, patrols, which usually consisted of 13 to 18 soldiers, will now typically comprise 14 to 15 personnel. Both nations will also exchange their patrol schedules, and in the event of conflicting timings, adjustments will be made on mutual consent to avoid misunderstandings. The agreement is expected to reduce troop deployment along the LAC, aligning with the Indian Army’s winter strategy for Ladakh. Despite this crucial step forward, other friction points remain unresolved, particularly in Galwan Valley and Pangong Tso lake, where disengagement had previously occurred. The Galwan Valley, site of severe clashes in June 2020, and the strategically significant Pangong Tso continue to pose challenges to India-China relations. Consequently, the situation at these friction points, especially where China maintains a substantial presence, has remained stable but contentious post-agreement. Future engagements will include confidence-building measures between India and China, such as monthly meetings between commanding officers and ad-hoc discussions as necessary. Nonetheless, significant challenges remain in building trust, and the ultimate resolution of the broader Sino-Indian territorial dispute hinges on substantive advancements at Depsang and Demchok. Should resolution efforts proceed effectively, particularly concerning deescalation and demilitarisation, diplomatic relations may witness positive developments. While announcing the agreement, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri expressed optimism about its potential to lead to disengagement and, ultimately, a resolution of the lingering issues that surfaced in 2020. However, both parties acknowledge that considerable work lies ahead. In summarising the implications of this agreement, Jaishankar has urged caution regarding its influence on other facets of India-China relations, particularly trade, noting that it is premature to draw conclusions about the agreement’s broader economic ramifications.
The military standoff between India and China along the LAC has deep historical roots, significantly worsening after Chinese incursions were reported in 2020. The Depsang Plains and Demchok have been focal points of contention, with prior negotiations attempting to address friction points that arose from these incursions. The March 2021 agreements led to some disengagement in other areas; however, key regions like Depsang and Demchok remained unresolved, leading to ongoing tensions. This context is critical to understanding the importance of the recent agreement and its implications for future India-China relations, particularly regarding territorial issues and military deployments.
The recent India-China agreement to restore patrolling rights in Depsang Plains and Demchok marks a significant step in mitigating tensions along the LAC. While this pact represents a hopeful development towards easing military standoffs, the resolution of other friction points, such as Galwan Valley and Pangong Tso, remains critical. Further confidence-building measures and effective implementation of the agreement could pave the way for improved bilateral relations. However, both sides must navigate the complexities of their historical disputes with care to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
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