11 August 2025: The Hindu Editorial

1. India–China Border Talks Show ‘Positive Momentum’

Source -Page 1, The Hindu

Topic: GS2 – International Relations, Border Disputes, Security

Context

India and China have held the 21st round of Corps Commander-level talks aimed at resolving the standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh.

Content:

Background to the Dispute

• The India–China boundary dispute spans over 3,488 km across three sectors: Western (Ladakh), Middle (Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand), and Eastern (Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh).

• The Eastern Ladakh standoff began in May 2020 when Chinese forces crossed the LAC at multiple points — including Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Gogra–Hot Springs, and Depsang Plains.

• The Galwan Valley clash in June 2020 resulted in the death of 20 Indian soldiers and an undisclosed number of Chinese casualties — the first such fatalities in 45 years.

Significance of the Current Talks

• This was the 21st Corps Commander-level meeting, held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point.

• The talks focused on:

  • Disengagement at remaining friction points like Depsang and Demchok.

  • Restoring patrolling rights disrupted since 2020.

  • Maintaining confidence-building measures (CBMs) to prevent accidental escalation.

• Both sides agreed to continue dialogue at both diplomatic and military levels.

Strategic Importance of Eastern Ladakh

• Geopolitical Relevance:

  • Eastern Ladakh is critical for India’s access to the Karakoram Pass and Siachen Glacier.

  • It borders China’s Xinjiang and Tibet Autonomous Region.

• Infrastructure Competition:

  • China has constructed all-weather roads, bridges, and forward posts near the LAC, including the G219 highway linking Xinjiang to Tibet.

  • India has accelerated projects like the Darbuk–Shyok–Daulat Beg Oldie (DSDBO) Road and the Siachen Airstrip upgrades.

Outstanding Issues

• Depsang Plains: India claims Chinese troops are blocking access to Patrolling Points (PP) 10–13.

• Demchok: Chinese presence in areas traditionally patrolled by Indian forces.

• Troop Build-up: Despite partial disengagement, tens of thousands of troops remain deployed on both sides.

• Trust Deficit: Repeated violations of past agreements (1993, 1996, 2005 protocols) have eroded confidence.

Implications for India’s Foreign Policy

• China Factor in Multilateral Forums: Ongoing tensions influence cooperation in BRICS, SCO, and RIC groupings.

• India–US and QUAD Relations: Disputes with China have accelerated India’s strategic convergence with the US, Japan, and Australia.

• Trade Paradox: Despite tensions, bilateral trade crossed $100 billion in 2023, showing deep economic interdependence.

Concerns Going Forward

• Winter Deployment: Harsh conditions increase logistical challenges and costs for both armies.

• Possibility of Escalation: Even small-scale incidents can trigger larger confrontations.

• China’s Two-Front Advantage: China’s partnership with Pakistan could complicate India’s western border security.

Way Forward

• Military-to-Military Engagement: Regular hotlines and flag meetings to prevent misunderstandings.

• Clear Roadmap: Time-bound disengagement with verification mechanisms.

• Political-Level Intervention: Leader-to-leader talks to supplement the military process.

• CBMs Renewal: Updating and enforcing the 1993 and 1996 agreements with stricter monitoring.

Practice Question: “Discuss the strategic, economic, and security dimensions of the India–China border dispute. What steps should be taken to ensure sustainable peace along the Line of Actual Control?”

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