In a major breakthrough after four years of tension, India and China have reached an agreement on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. The agreement, reached after extensive negotiations, marks a significant step towards ending the military standoff that began in 2020 following a fierce clash in the Galwan Valley.
During a speech at the second edition of the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the importance of continuous dialogue in achieving this breakthrough. He stated that India and China have been engaged in talks at both diplomatic and military levels to resolve their differences in certain areas along the LAC.
The agreement, as described by Singh, represents a broad consensus achieved by both countries on restoring the ground situation based on the principles of equal and mutual security. This includes a mutually agreeable framework for patrolling and grazing in traditional areas.
The announcement of the patrolling agreement follows a week of positive developments in the relationship between India and China. Earlier this week, India announced a major breakthrough in ending the military standoff, which was subsequently confirmed by the Chinese side.
In a further sign of progress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held bilateral talks for the first time in five years on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Russia. During their meeting, both leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability on the border as a top priority.
Modi stressed the importance of mutual respect and sensitivity in the relationship between India and China, highlighting that strong ties between the two countries are crucial for not only their people but also for global peace, stability, and development.
In a joint statement released after the meeting, the two leaders also agreed that the Special Representatives on the India-China boundary question will meet at an early date to oversee the management of peace and tranquility in border areas. This meeting will also focus on exploring a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable solution to the longstanding boundary issue.
The statement concludes by emphasizing the importance of stable, predictable, and amicable bilateral relations between India and China. Both countries recognize that a harmonious relationship between the two largest nations on earth will have a positive impact on regional and global peace and prosperity.
The recent developments in the relationship between India and China signal a shift towards a more positive and cooperative approach. The agreement on LAC patrolling and the resumption of high-level dialogue between leaders provide hope for a more stable and peaceful future in the border region and beyond.
