Huge breakthrough: India and China end four-year standoff with new LAC agreement

In a breakthrough development, India and China have successfully reached an agreement to resume patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh. This accord, finalised just before the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to de-escalate border tensions that have persisted since the 2020 Galwan clash.

A diplomatic breakthrough before BRICS Summit

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri disclosed that intense diplomatic and military negotiations have led to the agreement. Misri noted that the discussions, conducted through various levels over recent weeks, aimed to return to the pre-2020 status quo. The outcome is a resumption of patrols in key conflict areas, including Depsang and Demchok.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted that the agreement signifies a return to “peace and tranquillity” along the disputed LAC. According to Jaishankar, the resumption of patrolling, in line with pre-standoff practices, is a sign of progress in restoring normalcy along the border. He characterised this development as a product of “patient diplomacy” over the past four years, revealing the complexity involved in such negotiations. He acknowledged that the path to resolution has been arduous, requiring perseverance from both sides.

Restoring normalcy along the LAC

The significance of this agreement is tied to the wider geopolitical context, particularly the upcoming BRICS Summit. Both leaders are expected to discuss further de-escalation measures in Russia, as they aim to stabilise bilateral relations disrupted by the 2020 clash. This summit offers a platform to explore additional confidence-building initiatives between the two nations, an aspect crucial for future cooperation.

Foreign Secretary Misri explained that the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China border affairs played a critical role in achieving this result. The WMCC’s recent meeting in Beijing focused on finding common ground and resolving the standoff at multiple flashpoints. The agreement comes as both sides recognised the necessity of maintaining peace to restore broader diplomatic ties. The Kazan Declaration, expected to be adopted during the BRICS Summit, is anticipated to further support these efforts by outlining steps towards multilateral security and cooperation.

Expert analysis on the implications

Defence analyst Manoj Joshi commented that while this agreement represents a significant step forward, its implementation will be crucial for long-term stability. He stressed that both countries must adhere to the agreed protocols meticulously to ensure the development translates into a lasting peace. Joshi also noted that while the BRICS Summit is an opportunity for further diplomatic engagement, India must remain vigilant about maintaining its strategic position.

Another geopolitical expert, Brahma Chellaney, highlighted that this accord not only resolves immediate tensions but also opens the door for future negotiations on other contentious points along the LAC. He emphasised that achieving lasting peace would require ongoing diplomatic and military collaboration.

Future prospects for India-China relations

The resumption of patrolling is a milestone in India-China relations, signaling a potential shift towards stabilisation and future cooperation. However, experts caution that maintaining this momentum will be critical. Observers suggest that Modi and Xi’s meeting during the BRICS Summit will set the tone for future discussions, possibly paving the way for further agreements. The world will be watching to see if these efforts result in a lasting resolution.