Garima Sharma, Pune
In narrowing the gap on pending issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh, India and China have made a “significant progression”. This discussion between the diplomats explores the possible solution in addressing the issues in Arunachal Pradesh.
As certain patrolling points along the LAC were blocked for the Indian troops, now these will be open again for them. As per the sources, these points were either blocked by the Chinese troops or due to the implementation of buffer zones.
The 31st Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination about India-China border affairs was held on August 29th in Beijing where a representative from the Indian military was also present.
According to the reports, there is going to be a 22nd round of military talk between India-China at Corps Commanders’ level to discuss the modalities including time and frame of the deployment of troops from either side.
An official said that currently the troops are in an alert mode and are avoiding any kind of confrontation that can create a trust deficit and also result in re-deployment plans. To avoid any form of clashes, the local commanders are also meeting on ground level, especially for confidence-building measures.
In Eastern Ladakh there is an ongoing winter stocking of additional 50000-60000 troops. Also, the process of de-induction and de-escalation are going to be lengthy and complex as the troops are redeployed on the LAC.
According to the reports, by mid next year there are plans to raise an additional division for Ladakh with an aim of freeing the Uniform Force of Rashtriya Rifles. The border infrastructure development in LAC will be continuing as per the plans irrespective of any deployment change.
The army has not yet issued any official statement and the diplomats meeting held last month indicates some progress.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar mentioned on September 12th that around 75% of the issues with China have been sorted. But he also said that the bigger issue is the increasing militarisation of the border. Also, the China Foreign Minister has said that there are four places in Eastern Ladakh where the troops have disengaged which also includes Galwan Valley.
Therefore, it is important for both the nations to seek balance amongst their national interest with regional security dynamics.