India’s recent peace efforts with China

Source: The post India’s recent peace efforts with China has been created, based on the article “The LAC agreement, the détentes and the questions” published in “The Hindu” on 12th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-India and its Neighborhood- Relations.

Context: The article discusses India’s recent peace efforts with China, focusing on troop disengagement at the border, ongoing de-escalation, and unresolved questions. It urges transparency from the Indian government about agreements, border security plans, and relations with neighboring countries.

For detailed information on India-China LAC agreement read this article here

What happened recently between India and China?

1. India and China announced peace efforts, including a summit at the BRICS meeting in Kazan on October 23, 2024.

2. Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping agreed to restore peace at the border. Soldiers from both countries exchanged sweets at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

What challenges remain at the border?

1. Pending De-escalation: Troop de-escalation and withdrawal along the LAC are incomplete and require on-ground and satellite verification.

2. Unresolved Patrolling Arrangements: No details of new patrolling mechanisms or PLA access at Yangtse in Arunachal Pradesh have been shared.
3. Buffer Zones: Buffer zones restrict Indian patrolling and civilian grazing rights, making a return to the pre-2020 status quo impossible.
4. Past Lessons from Doklam: China expanded infrastructure near Doklam post-disengagement in 2017, creating risks for future escalations.
5. Ambiguity on 2020 Transgressions: The reason for China’s 2020 LAC transgressions, including amassing troops at four points, remains unclear.

Why did China act aggressively in 2020?

1. Xi Jinping’s Territorial Policy: In 2014, Xi announced a policy to claim “every inch” of Chinese territory. This led to aggressive actions in several regions, including Taiwan, South China Sea, and along the India-China border (Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh).

2. Counter to India-U.S. Partnership: China aimed to remind India of its continental challenges, despite growing maritime ties with the U.S. India’s 3,500-km boundary with China remains a key concern.
3. Opposition to Indian Infrastructure: China reacted to India’s construction of roads, tunnels, and villages near the LAC, including the Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) airstrip and other strategic projects.
4. Response to Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization (2019): China protested India’s revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. Beijing criticized Ladakh’s reorganization, claiming it affected “Chinese territory.”

What other diplomatic efforts have been made?

1. Elections in Jammu and Kashmir: India held elections in Jammu and Kashmir, signaling a step toward political stability. The government may restore Statehood and transfer more powers to the region.

2. Addressing Ladakhi Protesters: Protests led by Sonam Wangchuk ended after the Home Ministry promised discussions on Statehood, tribal status, local employment guarantees, and parliamentary representation. A meeting is scheduled for December.
3. Engagement with Pakistan: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in Islamabad. This marked a significant move as previous SCO meetings were attended virtually.
4. India-China Summit: The October 2024 Kazan summit between Modi and Xi Jinping focused on peace efforts, troop disengagement, and reducing tensions.

What steps are needed for transparency?

The government must be transparent about border agreements and future strategies. A detailed enquiry into the 2020 LAC events is necessary. In a democracy, citizens should be informed about decisions affecting national security and regional stability.

Question for practice:

Examine the recent efforts and challenges in India-China relations concerning troop disengagement and border security along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).