LAC Patrolling Agreement with China Does Not Resolve All Issues, According to Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently highlighted that the agreement with China on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is a significant step forward, but it does not resolve all issues between the two nations. He credited both the military and diplomatic efforts for achieving this breakthrough. The disengagement agreement, reached on October 21, allows patrolling in Depsang and Demchok, marking an initial phase of progress.

Jaishankar noted that while this disengagement is a positive development, it is only the beginning. "It is not like everything has been resolved but the disengagement which is the first phase we have managed to reach that level," he stated at an event in Pune. The minister emphasised that normalising relations will take time as trust needs to be rebuilt.

India-China Relations and Infrastructure

During a separate interaction with students, Jaishankar explained that rebuilding trust and cooperation with China will naturally take time. He recalled a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, where it was decided that foreign ministers and National Security Advisors would work on moving forward.

Jaishankar credited India's improved infrastructure over the past decade as a contributing factor to the current situation. He mentioned that previously neglected border infrastructure has now received five times more resources annually than before, enabling effective military deployment.

Disengagement and Patrolling Agreement

The recent agreement marks a major breakthrough in resolving the military standoff that began over four years ago in eastern Ladakh. Since September 2020, India has engaged in negotiations with China to find a solution. The pressing issue has been disengagement due to troops being very close to each other, raising concerns of potential incidents.

Jaishankar explained that after 2020, India and China reached understandings on troop withdrawal at certain locations, but patrolling remained a significant issue. The October 21 agreement allows patrolling to resume in Depsang and Demchok as it was before, marking progress in negotiations over the past two years.

Strategic Concerns and Future Steps

The disengagement process at Demchok and Depsang Plains is expected to conclude by October 28-29. Jaishankar also addressed concerns about China's "string of pearls" strategy, which involves civilian and naval ports perceived as encircling India. He stressed the importance of taking this development seriously and being prepared to compete strategically.

Reflecting on past responses to China's actions, Jaishankar noted that India did not react appropriately due to ideological reasons within political circles. He emphasised the need for vigilance and readiness in addressing such strategic challenges.

The recent developments between India and China represent a cautious yet hopeful step towards resolving longstanding tensions along the LAC. While significant challenges remain, continued dialogue and strategic preparedness are essential for future progress.