Source: The Indian Express  

Introduction 

The diplomatic development between India and China regarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC). After a five-year gap in bilateral meetings, Prime Ministers and Xi planned to meet on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. This meeting came after China confirmed reaching an agreement about patrolling rights along the LAC at critical friction points along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, following years of military standoffs since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, marking a potential thaw in tensions that had escalated since the 2020 border standoff. 

What is Line of Actual Control (LAC)? 

• The Line of Actual Control (LAC) serves as the de facto border between India and China, stretching across the rugged terrains of the Himalayas.  
• The origins of the LAC can be traced back to the Sino-Indian War of 1962, which resulted in a significant territorial dispute.  
• It's approximately 3,488 km long and spans three sectors: the western sector in Ladakh, the middle sector in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, and the eastern sector which largely follows the McMahon Line in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Galwan Valley Clash of 2020 

• The Galwan Valley clash in June 2020 marked a significant turning point in India-China relations.  
• The violent confrontation resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and an undisclosed number of Chinese troops, making it the first deadly clash between the two nations in over four decades.  
• The incident not only heightened military tensions but also sparked widespread outrage in India, leading to calls for a reevaluation of economic ties with China. 
• In the aftermath of the clash, both nations engaged in a series of military and diplomatic talks aimed at de-escalating the situation.  
• However, the Galwan incident left a lasting impact on public perception and policymaking in India, with a renewed focus on national security and self-reliance.

Why Prime Minister of India Met President of China ? 

• Bilateral border agreements: 
  • The line of actual control (lac) requires bilateral diplomatic engagement for conflict resolution 
  • Previous border agreements were successfully negotiated during international summits 
  • Both nations have established diplomatic protocols for border dispute resolution 
• Diplomatic precedents: 
  • The Doklam standoff resolution was achieved through summit-level dialogue in 2017 
  • The galwan standoff was addressed during the SCO Summit in 2022 
  • Such high-level meetings have historically facilitated border dispute resolutions 
• Strategic objectives: 
  • To establish framework for resumption of patrolling along the lac 
  • To discuss disengagement at remaining friction points namely Depsang plains and Demchok 
  • To restore peace and tranquility along the border as existed before 2020 
• International obligations: 
  • Considering both nations' membership in international forums including BRICS 
  • Pursuant to existing bilateral agreements and protocols 
  • In accordance with diplomatic norms for dispute resolution 
• Bilateral relations: 
  • For improving overall bilateral relations 
  • With the objective of addressing geopolitical and economic issues 
  • in furtherance of strategic dialogue at summit level 

What are the Main Features of the India- China Border Patrol Agreement? 

• Indian troops will be able to patrol up to places they used to before the 2020 stand-off 
  • Potential Developments: 
    • The agreement reportedly includes discussions about disengagement in two major remaining friction points:  
    • Depsang Plains 
    • Demchok (which China had previously refused to discuss)

Conclusion

While this diplomatic engagement represents a step forward, both countries still face significant challenges in rebuilding trust. The Indian Army Chief states the need to restore confidence and establish clear buffer zone protocols. The situation also affects broader India-China relations, including business ties and trade relationships, suggesting that the path to normalized relations requires careful diplomatic navigation and mutual understanding.