After more than three years, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi is coming to India, marking a pivotal moment in resolving disputes at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between the two countries. On August 19, Delhi will host the 24th special representative (SR) level meeting.
This significant meeting will see National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval alongside Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Additionally, Wang Yi will engage with India's Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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Why is this meeting crucial?
The timing of this meeting is noteworthy as tensions have significantly reduced at the India-China border following the BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024. The discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping marked a major step towards resolving ongoing disputes. Post their interaction, both nations decided to address the issues lingering since 2020 in Eastern Ladakh.
What's happened so far?
Prior to the Kazan summit, India and China completed the military disengagement at Demchok and Depsang. Furthermore, both countries withdrew troops from four major contentious points, namely Pangong, Galwan, Gogra, and Hot Springs, although a major agreement on patrolling in these areas remains unresolved.
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Following the meeting between PM Modi and Xi Jinping on October 21, 2024, it was agreed that talks at the special representative level would continue. The first meeting took place last December in Beijing, attended by India's Ajit Doval. The upcoming session in Delhi marks the second installment of this crucial dialogue.
Source: aajtak
Who played crucial roles?
Three key figures have been instrumental in resolving this dispute:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Empowered the Indian military with autonomy in decision-making on the ground and imposed economic pressures on China.
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar: Persistently raised the issue on international platforms and paved the diplomatic path forward.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval: Engaged in direct conversations with Wang Yi to advance discussions at the special representative level.
Indian military's robust strategy
During the conflict, the Indian military showcased its strength in Eastern Ladakh, capturing strategic heights in the southern Pangong area and rapidly deploying heavy weaponry, signaling unequivocally to China that this is not the India of 1962. This strategy compelled China to come to the negotiating table.
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What is the current situation?
Since the Kazan summit, the situation at the LAC is calm. The armed forces of both nations are patrolling within their respective territories. The upcoming meeting in Delhi is expected to propel efforts toward a permanent resolution of the Eastern Ladakh dispute.
The path ahead
This meeting provides an opportune moment to bolster India-China relations. If the talks succeed, not only will peace be established at the border, but trade and diplomatic relations between the two nations will also improve. This will stand as a testament to India's diplomatic and military prowess, further cementing the country's status on the global stage.
