ANALYSIS
India and China share a disputed border that stretches 3,440 km (2,100 miles) and remains poorly defined. Natural features, such as rivers, lakes and snow-covered areas, cause the border to shift at times, bringing soldiers from both sides into direct contact and increasing the chance of conflict.
India recently announced an agreement had been reached with China on the issue of border patrol. This development comes ahead of the forthcoming BRICS summit, raising hopes that the two neighbouring countries might ease tensions from their four-year military standoff and work towards improving relations.
On Monday (October 21), Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri informed reporters that India and China had reached an agreement on patrolling along the line-of-actual control (LAC), which delineates the border area between the two countries. The two countries follow this unofficial LAC, which separates India-controlled eastern Ladakh from China-controlled Aksai Chin, as a temporary ceasefire line, established after a brief border war in 1962. Media reports say the agreement focuses on patrolling arrangements in the tense areas of Depsang and Demchok.
Misri told the Press that several weeks of discussions with China had revealed a way forward on patrolling modalities along the LAC. This agreement is paving the way for troops to pull back, helping ease tensions and work towards resolving the issues that emerged in these areas back in 2020. According to a report by South China Morning Post (SCMP), Beijing has not yet confirmed the agreement.
India and China share a disputed border that stretches 3,440 km (2,100 miles) and remains poorly defined. Natural features, such as rivers, lakes and snow-covered areas, cause the border to shift at times, bringing soldiers from both sides into direct contact and increasing the chance of conflict. Both countries are also racing to develop infrastructure along the LAC.
The most serious clash occurred on June 15, 2020, in Galwan Valley, where 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese soldiers lost their lives in a brutal fight using non-firearm weapons. One of the main issues that sparked the clash was that India was constructing a new road that would let out onto a high-altitude airbase, which the Chinese looked upon as a provocation.
Since then, both India and China have positioned troops along the frontline, although, at the same time, they have engaged in lengthy discussions through diplomatic channels and military meetings to find a resolution to the conflict. The tensions have impacted economic cooperation and other areas between the two most populous countries in the world. India, in particular, has increased restrictions on Chinese investments.
Misri’s announcement came just a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for the BRICS summit, a gathering of major emerging economies, scheduled to take place from October 22 to 24 in Kazan, Russia. There is a possibility of Modi meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit. BRICS was formed in 2009 with Brazil, Russia, India and China as its original members. With the passage of time, it has grown to include South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
(The author of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)
(Disclaimer: The views expressed above are the author's own and do not reflect those of DNA)
Tata-BSNL partnership promises BIG relief for customers, set to provide fast internet in...
'This is pathetic, disgusting': Nia Sharma faces backlash for promoting 'vagina tightening' tablets
Big move by Gautam Adani: Ambuja Cements to acquire this cement brand for Rs 8100 crore
Why US Presidential Election is always held on first Tuesday in November?
'Perfect for him': Aamir Khan in talks to play Kishore Kumar in Anurag Basu's film; fans react
After calling Prabhas a 'joker', Arshad Warsi says 'everyone is allowed to...'
BRICS Summit Prelude: India and China move to defuse border tensions
Sakshi Malik’s BIG claim, says BJP's Babita Phogat wanted to be WFI chief, encouraged wrestlers to…
India launches its 4th nuclear-powered submarine, set to play major role in…
Uttar Pradesh: 6 killed in oxygen cylinder blast in Bulandshahr house
Why Kriti Sanon used to be called 'Tiger didi'? Actress reveals reason
'Zyada Hero Ban Raha Hai': Rohit Sharma's chat with teammate caught on stump mic, video goes viral
Prince Narula, Yuvika Chaudhary share FIRST photo of their daughter
Delhi AQI October 22: Air quality in ‘very poor’ category, Centre imposes GRAP Stage II from today
Man who threatened Salman Khan, demanded Rs 5 crore, issues apology: 'It was...'
Karni Sena announces Rs 1,11,11,111 for any police officer who kills Lawrence Bishnoi
US Presidential Elections 2024: Republican Donald Trump sued for defamation by Central Park Five
‘Will be able to…’: EAM S Jaishankar explains India, China patrolling deal along LAC
'Even double standards are...': Jaishankar's big attack on Canada amid diplomatic row
Hyundai Motor India IPO listing today: All you need to know about largest-ever IPO in India
Diwali Gift: THIS company gave Tata, Maruti cars to its employees ahead of festival, they cost Rs…
IMD issues alerts as Cyclone Dana approaches, heavy rainfall predicted for these states
RSMSSB Rajasthan CET 12th-level exam starts today, check guidelines here
DNA TV Show: Terror threat in Delhi after Rohini blast? Police tighten security ahead of Diwali
Taylor Swift suffers wardrobe malfunction on stage during her Miami concert, video goes viral
Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead India A squad for Australia tour; Ishan Kishan in, Shreyas Iyer misses out
THIS was going to be Aishwarya Rai's first film in Hindi but it didn't release because...
Meet woman, born in Pakistan, attempted suicide at 22, now leads Rs 1 lakh crore company, she is...
IPL 2025: This star overseas player likely to be KKR's top retention over captain Shreyas Iyer
Deepinder Goyal's Zomato clarifies on 'Continue', says 'Not venturing into...'
This company paid Rs 1328 crore tax to move its headquarters to India from US, it works in...
Meet man who works in Rs 1617003 crore company, now set to lead Walt Disney as...
Tata Group set to construct landmark building to honour Ratan Tata in...
Kagiso Rabada achieves massive feat, becomes first cricketer in the world to...
Elon Musk is offering over Rs 5000 per hour for THIS job, it requires you to be...
Steps To Select The Best Term Insurance With a Term Plan Calculator
IRIS Home Fragrances Introduces a Fresh New Range of Four Exquisite Diwali Gift Sets
Mukesh Ambani's next BIG step, set to challenge Elon Musk in…
Vasan Bala breaks his silence on Jigra's box office failure: 'Alia Bhatt could have...'
Meet man who began his career with Tata Motors, now runs Rs 2690 crore company, married to...
'Ye ek PR activity...': Flying Beast breaks silence on divorce rumours with wife Ritu Rathee
Mohammed Shami gives massive injury update ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy, says, ‘my fitness is…’
'Quit if you don't want to return...': Amazon AWS CEO Matt Garman warns staff
Indian Railways announces rescheduling, regulation, and restoration of trains due to...
How can Rohit Sharma-led India qualify for WTC final after losing against New Zealand in 1st Test?
Beyond Rumors: Adichunchanagiri Mutt's enduring contributions to Karnataka and beyond
Setback for Anil Ambani's company, NCLT dismisses plea to block use of...
India, China reach agreement on patrolling arrangements along LAC ahead of BRICS Summit
Will MS Dhoni play in IPL 2025? CSK CEO gives major update, says...
Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal sets up new company with an eye to expand in...
'Want to put culprits on no-fly list': Aviation Minister on amending safety rules amid hoax calls
When is Ahoi Ashtami in 2024? Check date, subh muhurat, significance of this sacred fast