India-China LAC Agreement Not a Resolution, Says S. Jaishankar

Clarifying the LAC Agreement

In recent remarks, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the recent agreement with China concerning the Line of Actual Control (LAC). While the disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh marks a significant step forward, Jaishankar cautioned that this agreement does not imply full resolution of the ongoing border issues between the two nations. Speaking at an event in Pune, Jaishankar credited India’s military for its resilience in difficult conditions, noting the complexity of the situation and the continued efforts needed for stabilization.

Understanding the Current Status of the India-China LAC Agreement

The disengagement agreement signed on October 21 primarily covers the areas of Depsang and Demchok, where Indian and Chinese troops have been at odds since the 2020 Galwan Valley incident. According to Jaishankar, the partial disengagement now allows both nations to consider the next steps, but he emphasized that issues remain unresolved. "This is the beginning of a complex process,” Jaishankar stated, underscoring that a gradual approach is necessary to restore trust and fully normalize relations.

Key Highlights:

• Troop Disengagement: Indian and Chinese forces have begun to withdraw from key conflict areas along the LAC, providing an opportunity for strategic reflection on future actions.
• Dialogue Continuation: The disengagement enables both countries to engage in further discussions, especially around border management and patrol rights.

A Gradual Path to Restoring India-China Relations

Jaishankar highlighted that, while some progress has been made, achieving a normalized relationship will require time and continuous dialogue. He referenced the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping during the BRICS summit, where both leaders agreed on the need for further discussions between foreign ministers and national security advisors.

Steps Ahead:

1. Incremental Trust Building: Jaishankar pointed out that rebuilding trust between India and China is essential, given the history of border conflicts and the proximity of troops on the ground.
2. Strategic Border Infrastructure: India's ongoing investment in border infrastructure aims to support military readiness and enhance diplomatic strength, a move Jaishankar credited as essential for the current progress.

Army’s Role in LAC Agreement Success

According to Jaishankar, the Indian Army played a crucial role in securing this partial disengagement. Operating under challenging conditions, the Indian military held its ground, allowing for diplomatic efforts to advance. “The resilience of our forces has been key to moving this dialogue forward,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of military strength in high-stakes negotiations.

Infrastructure Boosts Border Security

Jaishankar noted that recent investments in border infrastructure have increased the efficiency and readiness of Indian forces. Compared to a decade ago, he shared that India now allocates five times more resources to border infrastructure, allowing for effective deployment in crucial regions along the LAC.

Background: India-China Tensions Since 2020

The 2020 Galwan Valley incident marked a significant low in India-China relations, resulting in the highest casualties seen on the LAC in recent history. Since then, both nations have engaged in multiple rounds of talks, yet the path to disengagement has been marked by complex challenges.

Previous Negotiations:

• September 2020 Talks: Initial discussions aimed at establishing protocols for troop withdrawal and patrol resumption, laying the groundwork for the current agreement.
• Focus on Patrolling Rights: Jaishankar explained that India has been persistent in addressing patrol disruption issues, which have been a sticking point for both sides.

Conclusion: Road to a Stable Relationship

As Jaishankar emphasized, the current agreement signifies progress but not a resolution. The disengagement of troops is only the first step in a long process of normalizing India-China relations. Future negotiations will likely address patrol protocols and border management strategies more comprehensively. Through resilience on the military front and strategic diplomacy, Jaishankar believes India is positioned to further its goals for a peaceful and secure border.