What is India-China LAC Patrolling Agreement?
India and China have agreed on new patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to ease tensions following the 2020 clashes in Galwan Valley.
The India-China border, known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC), has been a source of military and diplomatic tensions between the two countries for a long time. This situation worsened in 2020 during the deadly clashes in Galwan Valley, Ladakh.
In a positive development, on October 21, 2024, India and China announced an agreement to improve patrolling arrangements along the LAC. Senior Indian diplomat Vikram Misri stated that both countries have decided on "disengagement and resolution of issues in these border areas" that arose in 2020. India's Foreign Minister, S. Jaishankar, confirmed this news and said the agreement would allow India to patrol the LAC without disputes or interference from the Chinese military, similar to the situation before the 2020 clashes.
This agreement is seen as a step towards normalizing India-China relations. It could also lead to the resumption of direct passenger flights to China, which were halted during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Moreover, improving business ties between the two countries can benefit India, as China has been one of its longest trading partners and a key supplier of telecom hardware and pharmaceutical materials.
However, neither Misri nor Jaishankar provided specific details about the disengagement process or whether the agreement addresses all points of conflict along the LAC. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian also confirmed the agreement but did not share full details on its implementation.
The lack of a joint statement on this agreement has raised questions among newspapers, news channels, and citizens in both countries about whether more details need to be confirmed.
This announcement came just one day before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kazan, Russia, for a three-day BRICS summit, where discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected. This will be their first formal talks since the 2020 clashes.
While the new patrolling rights are a positive sign, both India and China still maintain a significant military presence along the LAC. More steps, such as removing troops and infrastructure on both sides, will be necessary to fully normalize the situation along the border in the future.
