NEW DELHI: In a key development, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that India and China have reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), signaling a breakthrough in the military standoff that has persisted since April 2020. The announcement comes just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Kazan for the BRICS Summit, where he is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines. Agreement on Patrolling and Disengagement During a press briefing, Foreign Secretary Misri confirmed that intensive diplomatic and military negotiations had culminated in an agreement on patrolling arrangements along disputed areas of the LAC. “Over the last several weeks, Indian and Chinese negotiators have been in close contact across various forums. As a result of these discussions, we have reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements,” he stated, adding that the two sides would now take the “next steps” to implement disengagement and resolve issues that arose in 2020. The new arrangement covers not only areas where disengagement has already taken place but also extends to the previously unresolved friction points of Demchok and Depsang. This development marks a significant step forward in resolving tensions that have been ongoing for over four years.
Ahead of the BRICS Summit: A Timely Development
The timing of the announcement suggests that India and China may be on the verge of resuming high-level dialogue, particularly with Modi and Xi both attending the BRICS Summit in Kazan. Though the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) did not confirm a bilateral meeting, Foreign Secretary Misri indicated that multiple bilateral discussions were being scheduled. “We are currently looking into the Prime Minister’s overall program. There are a number of requests for bilateral meetings, and we will update you as they evolve,” Misri said, neither confirming nor denying the likelihood of a Modi-Xi meeting. This would be a significant interaction, as Modi and Xi have met only twice since the deadly Galwan clashes in June 2020. Prior to that, the two leaders had met 18 times, but diplomatic engagement had cooled considerably following the standoff at the LAC. Diplomatic Efforts Leading to the Breakthrough The agreement follows a series of diplomatic and military exchanges between the two nations. Misri highlighted that the discussions were part of sustained efforts, including meetings between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, as well as negotiations within the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) framework. Additionally, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s meeting with Wang Yi in September played a key role in advancing the talks. While Misri did not provide specifics on the content of the agreement or whether buffer zones created during the standoff would continue, he emphasized that “the next steps” would focus on disengagement and maintaining stability along the LAC.
Looking Ahead: Modi-Xi Meeting in Kazan?
The possibility of a meeting between Modi and Xi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit has raised hopes for further diplomatic breakthroughs. With the agreement on patrolling arrangements serving as a foundation, both leaders may now explore ways to resolve the broader India-China border issues and move towards restoring normalcy in bilateral relations. Though the outcome of the summit remains uncertain, the recent progress provides a promising backdrop for potential high-level discussions. The developments will be closely watched, as they could mark a turning point in the relationship between the two Asian giants.
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