In a momentous development for India-China relations, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar credited the success of a new agreement on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to the exceptional resilience of the Indian military and the nuanced diplomacy of recent years. Speaking to students at Pune’s FLAME University, Jaishankar highlighted the strategic cooperation that made this accord possible, emphasizing the extraordinary conditions under which the military operated and the delicate negotiations managed by Indian diplomats.
The breakthrough, which allows for “coordinated patrolling” in the LAC areas of eastern Ladakh, signals a significant advancement in managing the border disputes that have strained India-China relations since 2020. However, Jaishankar cautioned that while this agreement is a positive milestone, it remains “a bit early for normalization” of relations, stressing that trust-building will require a gradual approach as both countries work through a complex web of strategic interests and historical grievances.
India-China Relations: The Role of the Military and Diplomacy
The new India-China LAC patrolling agreement comes after years of tension and a prolonged military standoff in eastern Ladakh. Since the border crisis of 2020, the Indian government has been consistent in its commitment to enhancing border infrastructure, which Jaishankar noted as essential in allowing Indian forces to hold their positions effectively.
“Today, we have put in five times more resources annually than we did a decade ago,” Jaishankar explained. “This investment has empowered our military to be effectively deployed along the LAC, giving India a strategic advantage in negotiations.”
Jaishankar’s remarks come following a key meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the recent BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. This meeting led to a consensus that both foreign ministers and National Security Advisors from India and China would continue dialogue on future actions to enhance mutual cooperation along the LAC.
Jaishankar’s Multi-Stage Strategy for Border Stability
The India-China LAC patrolling agreement is part of a phased approach focusing initially on disengagement of troops from sensitive areas to de-escalate tensions, with future goals aimed at establishing more defined protocols for border management. Jaishankar elaborated on this multi-stage process, saying, “The immediate concern was disengagement, as both troops were positioned very close, raising the possibility of confrontation. The next phase involves reducing the overall troop build-up.”
While disengagement has been achieved in several areas since 2020, obstacles remained around patrolling restrictions, particularly in regions like Depsang and Demchok. The minister explained, “Patrolling had been blocked, an issue we negotiated for two years. On October 21, we reached an understanding that patrolling would resume in these areas under the new agreement, restoring the conditions that existed before the standoff.”
This resolution marks a substantial victory for Indian diplomacy, as it reinstates India’s ability to monitor these areas effectively, a fundamental component of any future boundary settlement.
Building the Infrastructure to Support Peace
Jaishankar also highlighted the importance of India’s bolstered infrastructure along the LAC as a critical factor in maintaining a strong defensive posture and facilitating the latest agreement. “A major part of our challenges in earlier years stemmed from underdeveloped border infrastructure. With increased resources, our improved facilities now allow our forces to operate with greater efficiency and readiness,” he shared.
These improvements are central to India’s strategy of “stand our ground and make our point,” as Jaishankar phrased it, stressing that both India’s diplomatic channels and military readiness will continue to work in tandem to ensure national security.
Future Pathways for India-China Cooperation
Despite this significant progress, Jaishankar underscored that the current breakthrough is only a preliminary step in the broader goal of establishing a stable, cooperative India-China relationship. According to the minister, the current focus remains on reducing on-ground friction, while larger issues like boundary settlements will be addressed in the long term.
Looking forward, the two countries are expected to engage in regular dialogue aimed at further stabilizing their relationship. This process, however, will demand patience and sustained efforts in diplomacy to build a foundation of trust.
The India-China LAC patrolling agreement reflects India’s enduring commitment to a peaceful border, achieved through the combined efforts of its dedicated military and skilled diplomatic corps. As Jaishankar put it, “If today we have reached where we have, it is due to the synergy between our military’s resilience and the strategic patience demonstrated by our diplomats.”
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