India, China reach strategic détente on LAC patrolling, troop disengagement agreed

NEW DELHI: Putting curtains to four years of skirmish in the borders, India and China reached a détente on Monday to withdraw troops from contested regions and agreed to restore patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Patrolling was suspended in April-May 2020.

Although the army was withdrawn, some area was made a buffer zone and patrolling was avoided. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are likely to meet during the BRICS summit in Russia on Tuesday. An official news in this regard is expected.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that the complete military withdrawal was agreed upon in diplomatic and military talks that have been going on for weeks. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi expressed good faith in the discussions.

• In April-May 2020, Chinese troops crossed the Line of Actual Control and set up posts in areas such as Pangong Lake, Galwan Valley, Hot Springs and Depasang. Conflict ensued and both countries started deploying forces along the demarcation lines.

• In June 2020, 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives in an encounter in Galwan Valley. 40 Chinese soldiers were also killed. The conflict intensified.

• In September 2022, Indian and Chinese troops withdrew from Gogra-Hot Springs (PP-15) in Ladakh. The withdrawn areas were buffered and patrolled.

• On August 29, 2024, a constructive discussion on troop withdrawal began at a meeting held in Beijing on India-China border issues.

Apart from India, China has border disputes with the Philippines, Vietnam, Japan, Nepal, Bhutan, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Tibet, Singapore, Brunei and Mongolia. This is the first time that China has agreed to withdraw troops from the border region of a foreign country.