India and China reach agreement on LAC border patrolling: Foreign Secretary Misri
After discussions, China and India have decided on patrolling plans along the Line of Actual Control. Disengagement at the border could result from this.
PTC News Desk: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that India and China have reached a significant agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, following extensive negotiations between officials from both countries.
Misri stated, "We have reached an agreement with China on the issues being discussed," emphasizing that this development could pave the way for the eventual disengagement of military forces stationed at the border.
India-China border tensions: Potential for disengagement
Foreign Secretary Misri explained that the discussions held over the past several weeks have culminated in an agreement on patrolling arrangements in the India-China border area, specifically along the LAC. "This agreement is leading to disengagement and, eventually, a resolution of the issues that emerged in these areas in 2020," Misri added.
The agreement is said to focus on patrolling arrangements in the Depsang and Demchok regions, areas of heightened tension between the two nations. Negotiators from India and China have been working closely to resolve these remaining issues along the border.
Tensions since 2020 border clash
Relations between India and China have been strained since the deadly clash in eastern Ladakh in 2020, which resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers, with China suffering unspecified casualties among its People's Liberation Army (PLA) forces. The breakthrough in patrolling arrangements marks a step forward in de-escalating border tensions.
Diplomatic developments ahead of BRICS summit
This announcement comes just a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Kazan, Russia, for the BRICS Summit. While there has been no official confirmation, there is speculation that a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping could take place on the sidelines of the summit.
The BRICS Summit, themed Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security, will bring together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with newly invited members like Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. The summit is expected to focus on reviewing the progress of BRICS initiatives and exploring new avenues for cooperation.
During his visit, PM Modi is anticipated to hold bilateral meetings with leaders from BRICS nations and other global participants to discuss key international and regional issues.
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