In a major diplomatic breakthrough, India and China have decided to resume patrol in the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh which was stopped since summer of 2020 Galwan face-off. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made the revelation while revealing that through dialogue, the two sides have agreed on the aspects of patrolling that need to be addressed to as part of disengagement of troops and a way forward in the matter that has characterized relations since 2020.
The statement has been made just before the BRICS Summit, which will be held Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and China’s President Mr. Xi Jinping. The leaders-only dinner is planned for the Summit in Russia on October 22-23nd, and according to the acquaintance, such topics are expected to be discussed at the dinner as the principal subject of the Summit. The leaders are also expected to ratify the Kazan Declaration that outlines direction of movement for BRICS in the future.
According to Misri, although the summit ends on October 24, Modi will have to go back to New Delhi on October 23 because of some important business at home. Wider bilateral talks are expected for the G-20 leaders including one between Modi and Xi.
Nevertheless, differing on a number of points, the Indian and Chinese militaries have still failed to demarcate the modality of cooperation regarding the standoff that started in May 2020. The recent attack at Galwan Valley has led to the worst killing of soldiers in decades and has exposed tensions though both sides have pulled back forces from several sites in the LAC.
It is considered as an essential action that will help pave way to make the region less volatile again. Both nations continue to be cautious during the progress of this disengagement process.
