Through careful diplomacy and military coordination, India and China have reached a pivotal agreement for patrolling in contentious areas of East Ladakh

The recent agreement between India and China to resume patrolling in the Depsang Bulge and Demchok regions of East Ladakh marks a significant milestone in the complex relationship between the two nations, rooted in years of negotiations and military dialogue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strategic engagement with Chinese President Xi Jinping, particularly during their meeting at the BRICS Summit, has been instrumental in addressing the military tensions that escalated following the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) transgression in May 2020.

The Modi-Xi meeting in Kazan was characterised by a mutual commitment to resolve ongoing military friction. This diplomatic encounter facilitated a series of delegation-level talks, paving the way for the Special Representative (SR) dialogue aimed at de-escalating military tensions along the 3,488 km Line of Actual Control (LAC). National Security Advisor Ajit Doval represented India, while Wang Yi, the Director of the Chinese Communist Party’s Central Committee, handled China’s interests in this dialogue.

The recent resumption of patrolling in Depsang and Demchok is the result of meticulous discussions between representatives of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) and senior military commanders. Following the violent clashes in Galwan on June 15, 2020, the WMCC has convened 17 times, while military commanders have engaged in 21 meetings to negotiate disengagement and patrolling resumption.

While India announced disengagement in the Gogra-Hot Springs-Khugrang Nullah region on September 9, 2022, it maintained that the road to normalisation hinged on the resumption of patrolling rights in the sensitive areas of Depsang and Demchok. Despite opposition concerns regarding buffer zones, it is understood that these zones in areas like Galwan and Pangong Tso are not permanent. The Indian Army remains committed to patrolling these zones in the future.

Significantly, the patrolling agreement is confined to the Western Sector, where both the Indian Army and PLA had encountered each other. This targeted approach avoids reopening contentious issues related to buffer zones, which could potentially lead to new disputes. The agreement serves as a diplomatic leverage for India, reducing the vulnerability posed by external pressures and ensuring that China does not exploit the situation against India.

As tensions along the LAC ease, the agreement enhances Prime Minister Modi’s credibility as a leader who has steadfastly defended Indian sovereignty amid military build-ups by the PLA across various sectors. Although actual patrolling is yet to resume in the designated areas, the agreement is expected to ease tensions further, signifying a diplomatic triumph for India amidst challenging circumstances.

The successful negotiation underscores the importance of coordinated military and diplomatic strategies in addressing complex geopolitical challenges. By fostering dialogue and maintaining a robust military posture, India is positioning itself to navigate the intricacies of its relationship with China, ensuring peace and stability along the border while safeguarding national interests.