India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has confirmed agreement with China on patrolling the disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
“Over the last several weeks, Indian and Chinese diplomatic and military negotiators have been in close contact with each other in a variety of forums and as a result of these discussions, agreement has been arrived at on patrolling arrangements along the LAC in the India China border areas, leading to disengagement and a resolution of the issues that had risen in these areas in 2020 and we will be taking the next steps on this,” he said.
The announcement came during a special Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) briefing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia on Tuesday for the 16th BRICS summit in Kazan.
Misri was less categorical about the prospects of a bilateral meeting between Modi and China’s President Xi Jinping.
“This is a multilateral event and though there is always a proviision for a bilateral meeting on the sidelines, we are currently looking at the overall programme of the prime ministers. There are currently many requests for bilateral meetings and we will update you on the bilaterals as they evolve,” he said.
But the agreement on patrolling along the LAC is seen as positive and flows from recent developments.
Growing Diplomatic Momentum Between India and China
There are signs of a potential thaw in India-China relations, as noted by Nitin A. Gokhale, Founder of StratNews Global. Gokhale highlighted a recent shift in China’s diplomatic tone, pointing to statements by the Chinese Ambassador to India on X (formerly Twitter), which suggest Beijing’s desire for a “fresh start” in bilateral ties.
Of late, the Chinese have been sending signals that point to lowering of rhetoric. A cursory glance at recent statements by China’s Ambassador to India, indicates Beijing’s desire for a fresh start. Read recent statements by @China_Amb_India. Some samples below
— Nitin A. Gokhale (@nitingokhale) October 13, 2024
On 25 September, the Chinese ambassador stated that since the beginning of 2023, China-India relations had been improving, with both nations maintaining dialogue on border issues through diplomatic and military channels.
His (@China_Amb_India) statements aim at potential for cooperation. “China would like to work with India to help each other succeed on the way to modernization, achieve common development and revitalisation, and join hands to build a community with a shared future for mankind.”
— Nitin A. Gokhale (@nitingokhale) October 13, 2024
Cooperation In Emerging Areas
China’s ambassador also referenced opportunities for future cooperation between the two countries. Quoting a report from Georgetown University, he noted that China and India rank first and third, respectively, in the volume of AI-related research publications. The ambassador expressed hope for increased exchanges and collaboration between the two nations in this area.
Further statements emphasised that China is willing to work with India towards mutual success and common development. This reflects Beijing’s intent to focus on long-term cooperation and development, which aligns with its call for building a “community with a shared future for mankind.”
India had drawn a line in the sand, insisting that without disengagement and de-escalation along the LAC, it would be difficult to resume normal relations. Clearly, somewhere that insistence by India has gone home. It now remains to be seen how patrolling will move forward on the ground.
