On October 21, 2024, India and China announced an agreement on patrolling arrangements, resolving military standoffs along the LAC, including unresolved areas such as Demchok and Depsang. As Prime Minister Modi prepares for the BRICS summit, the agreement reflects successful diplomatic efforts to restore peace since tensions escalated in 2020. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar acknowledged completion of the disengagement process, emphasizing the importance of maintaining tranquility for future relations.
In a significant development reported on October 21, 2024, India and China have reached a consensus regarding ‘patrolling arrangements’ and the resolution of the prolonged military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This agreement encompasses not only the disengaged borders but also previously unresolved sections in Demchok and Depsang, suggesting an anticipated resolution to the standoff that has persisted since April 2020. Although the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) did not disclose comprehensive details about the agreement or whether the status quo prior to 2020 would be reinstated, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that both nations had effectively addressed the ongoing discussions concerning these matters. The announcement coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forthcoming visit to Russia for the BRICS summit, where he is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Misri noted that intensive diplomatic and military negotiations between Indian and Chinese representatives have transpired over recent weeks, culminating in this agreement aimed at disengagement along the border. The foreign secretary emphasized that the next steps ensuing from this agreement are now under consideration. The timing of the announcement raises the possibility of a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi, which has been speculated upon, as it aligns with Modi’s confirmed attendance at the BRICS summit where bilateral meetings are typically accommodated. Despite the lack of confirmation regarding a direct meeting between the two leaders, Misri acknowledged the ongoing discussions for several bilateral meetings during the summit. Previous negotiations that led to this critical milestone included meetings between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, along with several meetings dedicated to diplomatic and military dialogues. As both leaders prepare for their visit to Russia, this agreement signifies a potential deadline for the negotiations, emphasizing the seriousness with which both nations are approaching the situation. In remarks at a recent summit, Minister Jaishankar remarked, “We have gone back to where the situation was in 2020; so we can say that the disengagement process with China has been completed. To my knowledge, we have reached an understanding regarding patrolling.” He expressed optimism about the positive nature of this development, attributing it to sustained diplomatic efforts, despite the challenges faced since the Galwan Valley clashes in June 2020, which left 20 Indian soldiers deceased. The consensus on patrolling is projected to foster peace along the border, reinstating a sense of tranquility reminiscent of the conditions prior to 2020. Jaishankar noted the importance of maintaining peace for the future of India-China relations, asserting that the just-concluded understanding on border arrangements would serve as a vital foundation for enhancing bilateral ties moving forward.
The India-China military standoff began in April 2020 and escalated following the violent clashes in the Galwan Valley, where significant casualties occurred. Despite many rounds of talks and negotiations aimed at resolving tensions, the situation remained unresolved. Diplomatic efforts from both sides intensified reflecting the importance of maintaining stability in bilateral relations. The agreement on patrolling arrangements indicates a strategic move towards normalizing relations and self-regulating boundary management, essential for peace along the contested border.
The recent agreement between India and China on patrolling arrangements and the resolution of military tensions along the LAC is a pivotal step towards restoring peace and stability to the region. It indicates that both nations are committed to resolving long-standing issues through diplomatic channels. As leaders prepare for discussions at the BRICS summit, this accord lays a promising foundation for future bilateral engagement and the potential revitalization of cooperative relations.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
