India and China have reached a significant understanding regarding patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, following several rounds of discussions. This agreement is a step towards reducing border tensions and may pave the way for disengagement between the two nations’ military forces.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the development, explaining that officials from both countries had successfully concluded negotiations on patrolling protocols along the LAC. These negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing standoff between Indian and Chinese troops, which has persisted since 2020.
Agreement May Lead to Border Disengagement, Says Misri
Foreign Secretary Misri further elaborated that the agreement could potentially lead to a gradual withdrawal of forces from the contested border areas. He expressed optimism that this move would ease tensions and facilitate a peaceful resolution of issues that have been lingering for years.
He stated, “Following extensive talks held over the past several weeks, we have reached a consensus on patrolling measures along the LAC in the India-China border region. This development marks the beginning of disengagement, which will ultimately lead to the resolution of the disputes that surfaced in 2020.”
Continuous Negotiations to Resolve Border Disputes
The foreign secretary also mentioned that Indian and Chinese representatives have maintained ongoing communication over the past few weeks to address the unresolved issues along the border. The agreement reportedly focuses on patrolling mechanisms in sensitive areas, including Depsang and Demchok, which have been hotspots for tensions in recent years.
Relations between the two neighbouring countries have been particularly strained since the violent clash in 2020 along the eastern Ladakh border, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers. China has not officially confirmed the number of casualties on its side, but the skirmish left both sides wary and strained bilateral relations.
Significant Diplomatic Development Ahead of the BRICS Summit
This diplomatic breakthrough comes just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anticipated visit to Kazan, Russia, where he will attend the BRICS Summit. The timing of the agreement has sparked discussions about the potential for further diplomatic progress during the summit.
There is speculation that a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping may take place on the sidelines of the BRICS event, although no official confirmation has been made. Such a meeting could be a crucial step towards improving bilateral relations between the two nations.
BRICS Summit to Focus on Global Development and Security
The BRICS Summit in Kazan, themed “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security,” is expected to provide a platform for leaders from participating nations to engage in discussions on pressing global issues. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the summit presents an opportunity to assess the progress of BRICS initiatives and explore new areas of collaboration among member countries.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with other BRICS leaders, as well as participants from newly invited nations. The BRICS bloc, initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has recently expanded to include additional countries such as Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates, signalling its growing influence on the global stage.
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