India-China LAC Agreement: Key Takeaways and Future Implications

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Background: Road to agreement
• Patrolling Pact: A Key Element of the Agreement
• Key highlights of the agreement
• Diverging Interpretations

Why in News?

Indian and Chinese negotiators have reached an agreement on “patrolling arrangements” along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), leading to a disengagement and resolution of the tensions that emerged in 2020. The announcement was made by India, highlighting progress in the management of the border dispute.

The agreement was followed by a bilateral meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the BRICS leaders’ summit in Kazan, Russia.

Background: Road to agreement

• PM Modi’s Call for Improved Relations with China
  • In April 2024, PM Modi, in an interview, emphasized the significance of India’s relationship with China.
  • He highlighted the need to urgently address the prolonged border situation to normalize bilateral interactions.
• Positive Response from China
  • In response, the Chinese government expressed a positive outlook.
  • A spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry acknowledged that India-China relations encompass more than just the border dispute.
• Indian Foreign Minister’s Focus on Patrolling Rights (May 2024)
  • In May 2024, Indian EAM S. Jaishankar expressed optimism regarding the resolution of remaining border disputes with China, particularly in the Ladakh region.
  • He emphasized that the key issues still in contention were related to “patrolling rights” and “patrolling abilities” along the disputed areas.

Patrolling Pact: A Key Element of the Agreement

• Significance
  • The patrolling agreement is a crucial aspect of the border management deal between India and China.
  • It is central to maintaining stability and order along the disputed areas of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
• Patrolling Dynamics on the India-China Border
  • Patrolling is vital in the India-China border management system due to the absence of a clear physical demarcation on the ground.
  • Indian troops regularly patrol up to the Indian-perceived border and then return to their base.
  • During these patrols, soldiers leave behind indicators of their presence, such as Indian-made items like cigarette packets or matchboxes.
• Article 4 of the 2005 Border Pact: Guidelines for Troop Conduct
  • The 2005 border agreement, particularly Article 4, provides guidelines for handling face-offs between Indian and Chinese troops:
• Self-Restraint in Face-offs: Both sides are required to exercise restraint and take necessary measures to prevent escalation if there is a face-to-face encounter due to differing perceptions of the LAC.
• No Use of Force: Neither side shall use or threaten to use force during such encounters.
• Mutual Courtesy and No Provocative Actions: Troops must treat each other courteously and avoid any actions that could provoke tensions.
• Prohibition on Markings: Neither side is allowed to place marks or signs at the confrontation points.

Key highlights of the agreement

• Restoration of Patrolling Rights in Depsang Plains and Demchok
  • India and China have agreed to restore mutual patrolling rights in the Depsang Plains and the Demchok region, areas with disputes predating the 2020 incursions.
  • Indian troops will now be allowed to patrol up to Patrolling Points (PP) 10 to 13 in the Depsang Plains and the Charding Nullah in Demchok.
• However, areas where previous disengagements occurred—such as Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso, and Gogra-Hot Springs—are not open for renegotiation.
  • This agreement is seen as a step toward resolving long-standing legacy issues.
• Process of Disengagement, De-escalation, and Demilitarization
  • The agreement is expected to initiate a process of disengagement, de-escalation, and demilitarization in the areas where both nations currently have 50,000 to 60,000 troops each.
  • The phased approach of the agreement will focus first on disengagement, followed by de-escalation and eventual de-induction of forces.
• Focus on Preventing Future Clashes
  • The agreement aims to prevent incidents like the 2020 Galwan clashes, which resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese soldiers.
• Future Path
  • The endorsement of the agreement by Indian PM Modi and Chinese President Xi should lead to a reduction in tensions along the LAC and set the stage for normalizing relations between the two countries.

Diverging Interpretations

• Difference
  • Following the meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping, differences in interpretation emerged.
  • India’s statement emphasized a “complete disengagement and resolution of issues that arose in 2020.
  • On the other hand, China’s statement highlighted “important progress” on resolving relevant border issues, reflecting a more cautious tone.
• Contrasting Views on the Impact of the Border Dispute
  • India has reiterated that the border standoff must be resolved before normalizing bilateral ties, indicating no “business as usual” until then.
  • In contrast, China maintains that the border issue should not affect broader relations, suggesting it prefers a compartmentalized approach.
• Planned Steps for Resolving the Border Dispute
  • Indian side mentioned that Special Representatives would soon meet to seek a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question.
  • Meanwhile, China’s statement suggested future talks at multiple diplomatic levels to restore relations to sound and steady development.

Conclusion: Cautious Optimism in India’s Strategic Circles

• There is cautious optimism in India about the path forward, acknowledging that the border agreement has initiated a trust-building process.
• The three-step process—disengagement, de-escalation, and de-induction—is expected to take at least a couple of years to complete if both sides adhere to the agreement.
• It remains unclear whether these steps will occur in parallel or sequentially.

Q.1. What does the new India-China agreement entail?

The agreement allows restoration of patrolling rights in the Depsang Plains and Demchok, resolving disputes predating 2020. It focuses on disengagement, de-escalation, and eventual troop reduction along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Q.2. What are the future implications of the LAC agreement?

The LAC agreement sets a trust-building process, aiming to prevent future clashes. However, India’s cautious approach contrasts with China’s focus on broader ties, hinting at a complex negotiation path for lasting resolution.

News: India-China LAC Agreement: What this means, why experts are advising caution