PM Modi Convinces China on Line of Actual Control Patrolling Pact- Key Milestone for India-China Relations

In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, India and China have reached an agreement to resume military patrolling along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the East Ladakh region. The deal was achieved following extensive negotiations between high-level Indian and Chinese officials, marking a potential step towards easing long-standing border tensions that have persisted since a major standoff began in 2020. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping held pivotal talks at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, finalizing an arrangement seen as a critical move towards restoring stability in the region.

The newly established patrolling pact allows Indian and Chinese troops to resume patrolling in the Depsang Bulge and Demchok areas—two key areas along the LAC that had become focal points of tension following the transgressions of 2020. While patrolling rights are restored to both sides, the agreement stipulates strict adherence to previous protocols established between the two nations, aiming to prevent misunderstandings and further confrontations.

Diplomatic Efforts and Military Coordination

The resumption of patrols stems from concerted efforts by India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who served as representatives in high-level talks. These dialogues were part of the broader Special Representative Dialogue on Border Issues. Both India and China have engaged in 17 meetings within the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) since the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, alongside 21 meetings among senior military commanders. Their primary goal has been to address the issue of disengagement and to establish an environment conducive to reducing tensions.

Ajit Doval and Wang Yi led these efforts, emphasizing the restoration of peace in areas of friction, particularly in the Depsang and Demchok regions. Both leaders underscored the importance of collaboration and mutual trust to achieve long-term peace along the LAC.

A Path to Normalization: Further Steps in Diplomatic Engagement

During talks with President Xi Jinping, PM Modi stressed the importance of “mutual trust, mutual respect, and mutual sensitivity” as foundational elements for improving India-China relations. The two countries have agreed to meet regularly at the diplomatic and military levels, aiming to establish clear guidelines for maintaining peace and addressing unresolved boundary issues. Additionally, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has announced that both nations will implement a step-by-step disengagement plan, focusing on gradual de-escalation in the most contentious areas along the 3,488-kilometer LAC.

The Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, acknowledged that the recent agreement could lay the groundwork for de-escalation across the border and potentially lead to “three Ds” of the process: disengagement, de-escalation, and de-induction of troops. He added that these steps could take up to a few years to achieve fully, underscoring the complexity of the issues at play.

Challenges and Military Legacy

The recent agreement between India and China reflects efforts to overcome complex historical challenges rooted in border issues that date back to the 1950s. However, resolving the border dispute remains complicated due to the vast array of troops, tanks, and weaponry amassed along both sides of the LAC. While the disengagement process is underway, both India and China continue to maintain a heavy military presence, with nearly 50,000 troops stationed on each side. Strategic analysts remain cautiously optimistic, as the depth of the buildup will require careful coordination in future negotiations.

India’s approach, which emphasizes “trust but verify,” highlights the country’s desire to ensure that China upholds its end of the agreement. Modi’s administration has expressed cautious optimism that the agreement will help prevent further military clashes, as both countries gradually reduce the military presence along their shared border. Yet, both sides are expected to undergo a protracted negotiation process before full de-induction is feasible.

Perspectives on the Agreement’s Potential Impact

The patrolling agreement serves as an important diplomatic milestone, offering a framework for restoring peace along the LAC. Some experts believe that the renewed patrolling rights will help establish a “buffer” that could limit the chances of direct confrontations. Others are more circumspect, noting that previous agreements have faltered due to miscommunication and territorial misunderstandings. The recently designated buffer zones in the Galwan Valley and Pangong Tso areas are examples of attempts to mitigate conflict, though the effectiveness of such zones often depends on consistent enforcement by both sides.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders in India, including the Congress party, have raised questions about the permanence of the buffer zones and the scope of patrolling rights. They have expressed concerns that certain areas of the LAC remain unresolved, potentially leaving room for future misunderstandings. However, Indian military officials have assured that the new patrolling zones will be strictly monitored, with the hope that increased transparency will foster a stronger foundation for cooperation.

India-China Relations Going Forward

India and China’s mutual emphasis on open diplomatic channels, trust-building, and adherence to established military protocols marks a turning point in their complex relationship. With both countries engaging in diplomatic discourse to a greater extent, strategic analysts believe that the future holds potential for significant, long-term cooperation between these two nations. The Modi government has asserted that the path toward de-escalation will depend heavily on China’s commitment to maintaining the terms of the agreement, with diplomatic “back channels” in place to address any infractions swiftly.

Moving forward, both sides are expected to continue a dialogue at the Foreign Minister level, as part of efforts to normalize ties and promote regional stability. Prime Minister Modi’s approach aligns with India’s broader foreign policy strategy, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and mutually respectful relationships with neighboring countries.

Final Thoughts

While India and China have taken a notable step toward restoring stability along the LAC, there remain substantial challenges ahead. The resumption of patrolling rights and the establishment of buffer zones provide a temporary easing of tensions. Yet, both sides will need to navigate the logistics of troop reductions and broader de-escalation measures carefully.

Ultimately, the success of this agreement will hinge on a combination of mutual trust, consistent adherence to established protocols, and a willingness to engage in transparent dialogue. Both nations have signaled their intent to improve relations through measured steps, reflecting a shared understanding of the need to avoid military escalations and promote peace.