In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, India and China have agreed on a new patrolling arrangement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Himalayas. The agreement, which is expected to pave the way for disengagement, addresses tensions that have persisted since the skirmishes between the two nations in May 2020.
The agreement reportedly pertains to patrolling in the Depsang and Demchok areas, which have been key flashpoints. Although an official announcement is yet to be made, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri hinted that this understanding could lead to a formal resolution of the long-standing border standoff.
The development comes just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia for the upcoming BRICS summit, where it is expected that Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping may hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines. This meeting could further cement progress on restoring peace and tranquility along the LAC, a critical factor for normalizing relations between the two Asian giants.
Both sides have been working toward resolving these border disputes, with the most recent meeting on August 29 in Beijing. Diplomatic channels have remained open, focusing on finding common ground and reducing tensions.
