. 23/10/2024 10:49 AM
Why in News?
In a major diplomatic achievement, India and China have agreed to restore patrolling rights at critical friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. This agreement comes after four years of tense military standoffs, which began with the violent Galwan Valley clash in 2020. The deal marks a significant step toward de-escalation between the two nations, rekindling hopes for improved diplomatic and bilateral relations.
Galwan Clash (June 2020):
Initial Confrontations: In May 2020, Indian and Chinese troops clashed at various points along the LAC, including Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Demchok in Ladakh, and Naku La in Sikkim.
Violent Galwan Valley Clash (June 15, 2020): On the night of June 15, 2020, Indian and Chinese troops engaged in a deadly hand-to-hand confrontation in the Galwan Valley, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
Escalation and Military Build-Up: Following the Galwan clash, both sides deployed large numbers of troops and heavy weaponry to the region, further intensifying tensions. This led to a series of confrontations at multiple friction points, with the potential for further escalation looming.
Diplomatic and Military Talks: Since the Galwan clash, India and China have held several rounds of diplomatic and military-level talks, including 21 rounds of Corps Commander-level dialogue and 17 rounds of meetings under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on border affairs. These talks were aimed at reducing tensions, with the goal of restoring peace along the LAC.
After years of diplomatic and military negotiations, India and China have reached an agreement to restore patrolling rights in eastern Ladakh, specifically in the Depsang Plains and Charding Ningling Nullah (CNN) Junction in Demchok. The following are the key points of the agreement:
The agreement restores Indian patrolling rights in the Depsang Plains (Patrolling Points 10 to 13) and CNN Junction in Demchok. These areas had become contentious during the 2020 standoff, with Chinese forces blocking Indian patrols.
This agreement addresses legacy issues that predate the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, with both nations committing to the restoration of pre-2020 patrolling protocols.
Both sides will patrol up to the pre-2020 points along the LAC, with Indian patrols occurring twice a month. Patrol teams will consist of 14-15 troops to avoid potential clashes.
Patrol schedules will be coordinated between the Indian Army and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to prevent misunderstandings and inadvertent confrontations. Any conflicting dates will be mutually modified.
While the agreement restores patrolling in Depsang and Demchok, friction points such as Galwan Valley and Pangong Tso remain unresolved. Discussions are still ongoing to address issues in these areas, as well as in sensitive eastern sectors, such as parts of Arunachal Pradesh.
The agreement includes monthly commander-level meetings and case-specific talks aimed at reducing tensions along the LAC.
Both nations aim to reduce the number of troops and heavy equipment deployed along the LAC, a process that is expected to accelerate with the onset of winter.
The agreement represents the culmination of intense negotiations at multiple levels:
Corps Commander and WMCC Talks: Over 21 rounds of military dialogue and 17 rounds of WMCC meetings were held to bring both sides closer to a resolution. These discussions focused on disengagement at friction points and the gradual de-escalation of forces along the LAC.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagement: In addition to military talks, political discussions between India's National Security Adviser and Chinese diplomats played a crucial role in finalizing the agreement. The Indian government remained tight-lipped throughout the process, but sources indicate that the agreement was awaiting political approval from the Chinese side after the last round of WMCC talks.
The agreement was formalized after the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of the Indian Army and his PLA counterpart confirmed its implementation on the ground in eastern Ladakh. Written proposals were exchanged to ensure that the agreement was foolproof before allowing PLA patrols in other sectors.
The Depsang Plains and Demchok are strategically significant areas along the LAC. Located near the Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) post, the Depsang Plains provide flat terrain that could be used to launch military offensives, making control over these areas critical for both nations. The Bottleneck (Y-Junction), a rocky outcrop located on the Darbuk-Shyok-DBO Road, is another critical point that connects key areas in the Depsang Plains.
By restoring patrolling rights in these regions, the agreement not only addresses long-standing issues but also enhances India's security posture in eastern Ladakh.
De-escalation and Restoration of Ties:
The agreement represents a major step towards de-escalation and normalization of relations between India and China, especially after years of deadlock following the 2020 clashes.
It rekindles hopes for the restoration of diplomatic and political ties between the two nations, which had deteriorated significantly over the past four years.
Strategic Victory for India:
The restoration of patrolling rights in Depsang and Demchok is seen as a strategic victory for India, as these areas had been contentious since the 1962 Sino-Indian War. By regaining access to these regions, India has reinforced its control over critical points along the LAC.
Focus on Confidence-Building:
The agreement includes important confidence-building measures, such as coordinated patrolling protocols and regular commander-level meetings, which are expected to reduce tensions and prevent future clashes along the LAC.
Challenges Ahead:
Despite the breakthrough, several unresolved friction points remain, including Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, and sensitive areas in the eastern sector. Future negotiations will be crucial in addressing these issues and achieving a comprehensive resolution.
The recent agreement between India and China to restore patrolling rights in eastern Ladakh marks a significant diplomatic and military achievement. While it does not resolve all points of contention along the LAC, it is a crucial step towards de-escalation, restoring trust, and normalizing bilateral ties between the two Asian giants. As both nations work towards reducing troop deployments and resolving remaining friction points, the path forward will require continued diplomatic engagement and confidence-building measures to ensure lasting peace along the LAC.
