India and China Reach Patrolling Agreement Along LAC, Signaling Return to 2020 Status
New Delhi: India and China have successfully reached an agreement to resume patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), restoring the situation to how it was before the tensions that erupted in 2020. This marks a significant development in the ongoing negotiations between the two nations aimed at resolving border issues.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, during a press conference, announced that negotiators from both countries have been in continuous discussions to address the situation at the border. "In recent weeks, there has been considerable progress in our talks with China," said Misri. "We have now agreed on the patrolling arrangements along the LAC in a manner that brings the situation back to where it was before the 2020 standoff. This is an important step towards resolving the lingering issues and ensuring the peace that both countries desire."
https://youtu.be/N3KQuJ6G2tE?si=xDupnn-W1ZJOKJ_jExternal Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar echoed these sentiments, calling the agreement a positive development. Speaking at a forum, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of restoring peace and stability along the border, stating, "The situation along the LAC will now be as it was in 2020. We have resolved the major issues that arose during the standoff, and the disengagement process is now complete. Both sides can resume their regular patrolling activities, which is a result of patient and persistent diplomacy."
The tensions between India and China have been high since the violent clash in the Galwan Valley in 2020, which resulted in casualties on both sides. Following the incident, both nations increased their military presence along the LAC, leading to a series of diplomatic and military discussions aimed at de-escalating the situation.
Since then, several rounds of talks, including high-level meetings between the two nations, have taken place. Notably, both sides have agreed to withdraw troops from key friction points, such as the Gogra-Hot Springs area in Eastern Ladakh, and have established buffer zones along the LAC to maintain peace. This recent agreement on patrolling represents another crucial step forward.
The thaw in tensions could pave the way for better cooperation on other fronts. Relations between India and China had been strained not only by the border standoff but also by trade and economic issues. India had increased scrutiny of Chinese investments in the country and put several joint projects on hold. With this new development, there is hope that diplomatic relations will improve and foster greater stability in the region.
Both countries have reiterated their commitment to ensuring peace along the border through ongoing diplomatic and military channels, signaling that further progress is possible in the near future.