In the short term, stabilise the Line of Actual Control

Source– The post is based on the article “In the short term, stabilise the Line of Actual Control” published in The Hindu on 6th june 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral groupings and agreements

Relevance: Indo-China relations

News- From the last few years, the situation on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has continued to remain extremely tense.

Why is there a need for stability in the region?

There was the biggest mobilisation of Chinese forces into Tibet after Galwan.

As per India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, the situation along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh remains very fragile and quite dangerous in terms of military assessment.

Thirdly, Chinese territorial claims include the entire Arunachal Pradesh and the occupied Aksai Chin. It claims Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh as two of the five fingers that are attached to the Tibetan Palm.

The current mindset among the Indian security establishment is that the “salami slicing tactics ” of the Chinese must be halted.

Further, advanced surveillance technology provides visibility of movement of opposing forces. Better roads and improved logistics enhance the reaction capability. It is increasing the chances of face-offs and clashes.

What are the existing agreements on LAC and its flaws?

Since 1988, four agreements have been signed between the two countries (in 1993, 1996, 2005 and 2013) to maintain peace along the LAC.

Article I of the 1993 Agreement stipulates the creation of joint mechanisms to verify and settle LAC-related disputes.

The Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was created in 2012. It meets twice in a year but has little to show in terms of results on the ground.

The 3,488-kilometre-long LAC has only four Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) points. The Lipulekh BPM Point which was proposed in the Article V of the 2005 Protocol has not been established till now.

What is the way forward?

Convert the LAC into a Line of Control (LC) by delineating it on the map and on the ground without prejudice to border claims.

The disputed areas on the LAC can be treated as no entry zones. Alternatively, both sides should be allowed to patrol these areas as per a mutually agreed frequency.

Joint patrolling of the disputed areas must also be explored as this can result in the maintenance of status quo and an increase in confidence.