NEW DELHI: Mutually agreeing that no new posts are constructed in close proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh and identifying specific limits of patrolling, were some of the issues discussed in the Major General-level talks held between India and China at Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) and Chushul, as per media sources. The discussions also included not increasing troops by both countries along the LAC.
Sources said that both the countries have agreed to refrain from violating any airspace by drones, defining ‘boundaries’ of patrolling, exchanging prior information about each other’s patrols, strictly following border protocols and where troops from both sides have been reduced since maintaining the integrity of such buffer zones.
The meeting between India and China took place at the Chushul-Moldo border point on the Indian side of the LAC. Since the border standoff started in May 2020, the armies of both countries have disengaged from the northern and southern flanks of the Pangong Tso, Gogra and Hot Springs area, though tensions remain in the Depsang plains and Demchok region.
With respect to Depsang and Demchok, both sides have failed to make any significant progress. The Indian side is looking for a solution to resolve the boundary issues at Depsang Point and CNN Junction. The talks were held to resolve the standoff in eastern Ladakh, in which India was represented by Major General PK Mishra and Major General Hariharan. The talks were held to resolve the ongoing deadlock in Ladakh’s Depsang ground and Demchok area.
Army said that the talks took place in a clear and practical environment.
Both sides held positive, constructive and in-depth discussions on resolution of outstanding issues along the LAC in the Western Sector. In line with the guidance provided by the leadership, the Indian and Chinese army exchanged views in an open and forward-looking manner. On August 14, 19th round of Corps Commander-level talks were held between the Indian Army and the China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA). During the talks, the withdrawal of troops in the tense area in eastern Ladakh and reducing the tension were discussed. The Depsang and Demchok areas were discussed by the Indian side.
Significantly, BRICS summit will also take place from Tuesday in South Africa. Defence experts believe that the conversation between the two armies is of special importance in view of the BRICS summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping may meet on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.
There is a standoff between Indian and Chinese soldiers at certain places in eastern Ladakh. For the last three years, there is confrontation between the armies of India and China. However, during this time both sides have ensured withdrawal of troops from many areas after extensive diplomatic and military talks. Despite this, tension still persists in Depsang and Demchok.
The Corps Commander-level talks were initiated in 2020 after China’s PLA raised tensions in eastern Ladakh after the latter violated agreements at several places and violated the LAC. India has sought de-escalation, which includes withdrawal of all additional troops and equipment in the forward areas of the LAC to its pre-April 2020 position.
However, no inclination has been shown so far from the Chinese side. China wants to consider the current holding position as the new status quo.
