India and China reach agreement on Ladakh patrolling amid tensions along LAC
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In a significant breakthrough, India and China have reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Himalayas, potentially paving the way for disengagement and the resolution of tensions that escalated in May 2020.
This development comes just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia for the BRICS summit, where he is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The agreement is reported to focus on patrolling in the Depsang and Demchok areas along the LAC, as per a report from news agency PTI.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the progress, stating that both diplomatic and military negotiators from India and China have engaged in multiple rounds of discussions in recent weeks. These talks have led to an arrangement that could help de-escalate the standoff that has persisted in these border areas since 2020, reported Reuters.
Although there has been no official announcement, it is widely anticipated that the two leaders will hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
The last meeting of the India-China Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on border affairs took place in Beijing on August 29. Both sides engaged in frank and constructive dialogue to reduce differences and resolve outstanding issues. It was agreed that restoring peace and tranquility, along with respect for the LAC, is fundamental for returning to normal bilateral relations.
Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi also acknowledged earlier this month that while both sides had resolved "low-hanging fruits," more challenging issues remained. He noted that positive diplomatic signals were emerging, but the situation on the ground would depend on the actions of military commanders from both countries.
Indian and Chinese commanders have been in regular talks to achieve complete disengagement in the remaining areas along the LAC in eastern Ladakh. Despite the withdrawal of troops from Gogra-Hot Springs in September 2022, certain areas, such as the Depsang plains, still require de-escalation.
The tensions between India and China reached a peak in June 2020 when fierce clashes erupted in the Galwan Valley, resulting in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and numerous casualties on the Chinese side.