The progress between India and China at the Tianjin SCO summit marks a significant stride towards easing tensions along the LAC (Line of Actual Control). From Kazan (October 2024) to the Tianjin SCO, both nations have focused on disengagement (withdrawing forces) and resuming patrolling.
Following the Kazan meeting, the disengagement from the Depsang and Demchok plains was a major breakthrough, allowing patrolling to resume in these regions. Several bilateral meetings between India and China over the past 11 months have been crucial for future steps. The bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin is expected to accelerate talks towards resolving LAC issues.
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The second phase after disengagement is de-escalation (reducing troop density). The third phase is de-induction (returning troops sent during the 2020 tension to their original locations). Disengagement has occurred at all friction points since 2020 in four areas of the LAC - Pangong, Galwan's PP-14, Gogra, and Hot Springs, but patrolling is yet to start.
Source: aajtak
Modi-Xi Meeting in Tianjin: Agreement to Prevent Disagreements from Becoming Disputes
In Tianjin, Modi and Xi Jinping engaged in an hour-long discussion, with the border issue taking center stage. The leaders expressed satisfaction over the successful disengagement in Kazan and the ensuing peace and stability in border areas. Modi emphasized that peace and stability at the border are vital for bilateral relations.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) declared that the existing mechanisms agreed to maintain peace at the border. The discussions in Kazan have improved the situation on the LAC. Hopes are high for a comprehensive resolution of border issues following the Modi-Xi meeting in Tianjin.
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Systems to Resolve Border Dispute
The India-China border dispute is decades old. Various mechanisms are in place to address it...
WMCC (Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination): Focuses on issues beyond the border dispute.
Special Representative Dialogue: Discussion between NSA Ajit Doval from the Indian side and Foreign Minister Wang Yi from the Chinese side.
Core and Local Commander-level talks: Military-level discussions. Post-2020, local commander dialogues in eastern Ladakh have been elevated to core commander level. MEA representatives also participate in military talks.
Source: aajtak
There have been 22 rounds of core commander level talks between India and China aimed at reducing tensions on the LAC. The 22nd round, in October 2024, was the longest, resulting in an agreement on disengagement in the Depsang plains and Demchok. Bilateral diplomatic meetings and ongoing discussions between local commanders continued after these core commander talks.
The Tianjin summit may refocus attention on core commander-level talks to resolve pending ground issues. Both countries maintain military presence along the LAC, making a comprehensive solution necessary to restore pre-Galwan tranquility.
Timeline of Core Commander Level Discussions So Far
Source: aajtak
21st Round of Core Commander Level Meeting
According to the MEA, the 21st round of core commander-level talks between India and China took place on February 19, 2024, at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point. The discussions were based on previous rounds, emphasizing full disengagement in remaining LAC areas in eastern Ladakh, crucial for restoring peace and stability in India-China border regions.
Both sides exchanged views in a friendly and cordial atmosphere. They agreed to maintain communication on the way forward through relevant military and diplomatic frameworks. They pledged to maintain interim peace and stability in border areas.
Tianjin Agreement Offers New Hope on LAC
The Modi-Xi meeting in Tianjin could accelerate the process of de-escalating tensions on the LAC. Following disengagement in Kazan, patrolling resumed, but de-escalation and de-induction remain incomplete. Recommencement of core commander dialogues may lead to ground solutions. India has made it clear that border peace is akin to an 'insurance policy' for bilateral relations. This diplomatic victory strengthens India's anti-terrorism stance.
