[Answered] Analyze the implications of India-China disengagement efforts along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) for regional stability. How might this affect India’s geopolitical strategy with its neighboring countries? (250 words)

India-China disengagement efforts along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) have significant implications for regional stability and India’s broader geopolitical strategy. After several border standoffs, especially the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, the de-escalation between India and China indicates cautious progress toward reducing immediate tensions.

Implications for Regional Stability

• Focus on Internal Security in Neighboring Regions: As tensions reduce, both India and China can potentially divert military and diplomatic resources to other pressing regional concerns. India may focus more on internal security challenges in areas like Jammu and Kashmir, while China can concentrate on domestic stability in Tibet and Xinjiang.
• Reduction in Border Tensions: The disengagement process, involving troop withdrawal and the establishment of buffer zones, has the potential to lower the risk of sudden escalations along the contested LAC. This helps prevent further confrontations and promotes a more predictable border environment, enhancing regional stability in the short term.
• Confidence-Building Measures: If India and China can sustain disengagement, it could lead to renewed confidence-building measures, such as military hotlines, patrol regulations, and protocols for border management. These mechanisms could serve as precedents for managing disputes along other contentious borders in South Asia, fostering a culture of restraint and negotiation.

Geopolitical Strategy and Engagement with Neighbors

• Pakistan: India’s approach toward détente with China may influence its policy with Pakistan, especially considering Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent visit to Islamabad for the SCO summit. By engaging diplomatically, India signals openness to dialogue and may prompt reciprocal steps, potentially easing tensions over Kashmir.
• Bhutan and Nepal: The Doklam standoff in 2017 highlighted India’s protective role over Bhutanese territory. A stabilized LAC could strengthen India’s strategic influence in Bhutan and Nepal, encouraging these countries to maintain balanced relations with both India and China while relying on India’s support for security and infrastructure.
• Regional Diplomacy and South Asia Strategy: India’s reconciliatory stance with China can help reinforce its position as a stabilizing power in South Asia, fostering relationships that are less influenced by the security threat from China. This may encourage smaller neighbors to view India as a partner in regional stability rather than a counterbalance to China.

Conclusion

India-China disengagement efforts along the LAC mark a pivotal shift that could stabilize regional dynamics and create space for economic cooperation and broader geopolitical maneuvers. However, India must balance diplomatic engagement with strategic caution, addressing unresolved border ambiguities, and fortifying regional ties.