By Aditi S Bade
In their most recent announcements, the Chinese Defence Ministry confirmed the loud roar of engines on both Chinese and Indian fronts, implementing resolutions to put that bearable distance in eastern Ladakh. Addressing the press, the spokesperson of the Chinese Defence Ministry, Sr Col Wu Qian, said that both militaries were constructively addressing border issues. Adding: “We are ready to work with the Indian side to jointly preserve peace and tranquility in the border areas.”
Going back to when it all began – the standoff originated in May 2020 when strained ties backed up the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh-finally to the tragic clashing of Galwan Valley in June 2020 that resulted in hurting even the sides on both counts. Numerous rounds of diplomatic, as well as military talks, took place during the original years to de-escalate the situation. A turning point in this regard happened as really as October 2024, because that was the time both countries agreed on disengaging their troops at core friction points, thus indicating a mutual interest in returning to normalcy.
Such high-voltage diplomatic exchanges followed after the disengagement agreement. Thus, on October 23, 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a meeting in Kazan, Russia, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. Both leaders agreed to further communication and cooperation to resolve conflicts and rebuild mutual trust.
This was a major moment in the attempts to peaceably restore relations that had become increasingly strained by the border tensions.
Later, at the end of a series of high-octane meetings between national security adviser Ajit Doval and Wang Yi, the Chinese foreign minister, held in Beijing, the 23rd Special Representative dialogue was convened on December 18, 2024. This was followed by the visit of Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Beijing, which took place on January 26, 2025, where his discussions with his Chinese counterpart, Sun Weidong, revolved around further normalizing relations under the “Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister” framework.
High-level engagements during this period focused on the peace efforts and peaceful coexistence between the two countries. The complete and efficient implementation of the disengagement process demonstrates the ability of both nations to realize the need to keep regional peace. While there still remain challenges, the continued dialogue and adherence to resolutions signify a positive momentum to maintain a positive course in India-China relations.
For these developments, the international community looks on them as steps taken to promote peace in a geopolitically important region. The cautious optimism is buoyed by both the countries committing to talk and implementing the various agreements, as the lessons they learn from the past are expected to guide their future interactions towards creating a stable and cooperative environment along border areas.
Both Indian and Chinese armies implement peacekeeping measures to address the eastern Ladakh stand-off. This indeed marks the positive dimension wherein both have proven allegiance to peace and stability. Continued diplomatic engagements and adherence to agreements are all necessary conditions so relieved everyone from bloodshed.