New Delhi: Ahead of the upcoming Modi-Xi Summit, India and China have come to a mutual understanding not to establish fresh posts in close proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. This accord was among the focal points discussed during the Major General-level discussions held at the Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) and Chushul border points, as reported by media sources.
The dialogue encompassed a range of issues, including the identification of precise patrolling boundaries and an agreement to restrain troop build-up along the LAC by both nations.
According to sources, the two countries have concurred to prevent drone violations of each other's airspace, demarcate the 'boundaries' of patrolling, share advance information about their respective patrols, strictly adhere to border protocols, and continue maintaining the integrity of designated buffer zones where troop presence has been scaled down.
The meeting transpired at the Chushul-Moldo border crossing on the Indian side of the LAC. Since the border standoff originated in May 2020, both nations' armies have disengaged from the northern and southern sectors of the Pangong Tso, Gogra, and Hot Springs regions, although tensions persist in the Depsang plains and Demchok area.
In relation to Depsang and Demchok, both sides have encountered difficulty in making substantial progress. India aims to address boundary concerns at Depsang Point and CNN Junction. The discussions aimed to resolve the deadlock in eastern Ladakh, with Major General PK Mishra and Major General Hariharan representing India. The focal points were the ongoing standoff in Ladakh's Depsang region and Demchok area.
The Army affirmed that the talks took place within a transparent and pragmatic environment.
Both parties engaged in positive, productive, and comprehensive deliberations concerning the resolution of outstanding LAC issues in the Western Sector. Aligned with the guidance from leadership, the Indian and Chinese armies exchanged perspectives in an open and forward-looking manner. The 19th round of Corps Commander-level discussions between the Indian Army and China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) occurred on August 14. The talks centered around troop withdrawal in the tense eastern Ladakh area and de-escalation efforts. The Indian side addressed the Depsang and Demchok situations.
Notably, the BRICS summit is scheduled to commence shortly in South Africa. Defense experts highlight the significance of the ongoing dialogue between the armies in the context of the BRICS summit. It's anticipated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping might meet on the sidelines of the summit.
Certain areas in eastern Ladakh continue to witness a standoff between Indian and Chinese troops. The two nations' armies have been in confrontation for the past three years. Despite this, through extensive diplomatic and military discussions, both sides have successfully withdrawn troops from several regions. Nonetheless, tension persists in Depsang and Demchok.
Corps Commander-level talks were instigated in 2020 after China's PLA heightened tensions in eastern Ladakh by contravening agreements at multiple locations and violating the LAC. India's focus is on de-escalation, encompassing the withdrawal of all supplementary troops and equipment from forward LAC positions to their pre-April 2020 placements.
However, thus far, the Chinese side has not indicated a similar inclination. China seems inclined to consider the current holding positions as the new status quo.