History of Sino-Indian border dispute

The Sino-Indian border dispute is up for talks again. After reports of China's reclaim over the state of Arunachal Pradesh, the tightening of security along the borders and the increasing tensions in the region from Pakistan to Sri Lanka, these talks between the Asian neighbours is in the spotlight.

The tumult between India and China took root in the fact that the British colonel rulers did not demarcate a border separating India and China. And in 1958, when China published a map that showed the Aksai Chin plateau as a its territory and India opposed.

Chinese reassertion on the plateau and the consistent protests from India broke into a full-scale war in 1962 which is known as the Sino-Indian War. People's Liberation Army of China and the Armed Forces of India clashed in harsh conditions as most of the combat took place in altitudes of 14,000 feet.

The war ended on 20 Nov, 1962 when China secured the disputed area. Chinese forces had also overrun the Indian military positions in Arunachal Pradesh before a ceasefire was called at midnight.

After China withdrew troops, the countries were divided along Arunachal Pradesh from what is known as the McMahon line which isow n called Line of Actual Control (LAC).

But the problem did not end with the ceasefire, while India alleges that Beijing is illegally holding 5,180 sq km of northern Kashmir ceded to it by Pakistan in 1963, China claims 90,000 sq km of land on the eastern sector of the border in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.

After a couple of deacades' talks India and China exchanged maps on the least controversial middle segment of their frontier in 2000.

In 2005 came one of the biggest milestone in the relationship between the two countries. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh signed an agreement on the 'guiding principles' to resolve the dispute

And even after four years of signing such a contract India and China continue to hold talks. In the current two-day meet being held, Indian delegation are expected to meet the Chinese delegation to clarify on the agreement singed in 2005.

From the common perception of Pakistan and China in Indians' minds to the recent reports that labeled India's position as what is known as the 'ring of fire' along with expert predictions on a potential Chinese attack against India soon are culminating to put immense pressure on these talks.

OneIndia News