After years of tensions, India and China have agreed to resume patrolling in the Depsang Bulge and Demchok areas of East Ladakh. Following this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held extensive negotiations in an effort to resolve the military standoff that started with the PLA’s incursion in May 2020.
The Modi-Xi meeting in Kazan was crucial, paving the way for further talks between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China’s Wang Yi. Their efforts led to a resumption of patrolling, reflecting both nations’ intent to stabilise the 3,488 km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC). The negotiations involved 17 meetings between diplomatic representatives and 21 rounds of talks between military commanders.
The agreement focused on the Western Sector of the LAC, where Indian and Chinese troops have faced off since 2020. Buffer zones at key friction points like Galwan and Pangong Tso were left untouched, avoiding potential disputes. The deal offers diplomatic breathing room and strengthens PM Modi’s position as a leader who maintained a firm stance despite China’s heavy military presence. Although tensions have eased, the agreement is just the beginning. Both sides still have large troop deployments near the LAC, and any lasting peace will require further de-escalation. India remains cautious, insisting that patrol rights in Depsang and Demchok are essential for normalised ties.
Even as the agreement is in place, the path to complete de-escalation remains challenging. Both nations still have over 50,000 troops, tanks, and other military assets deployed near the LAC, with fighter jets on high alert in bases ranging from Tibet and Sinkiang to Tezpur and Srinagar. The pressing question is whether these forces will pull back to the positions they held in April 2020 or if a more cautious drawdown will occur, factoring in logistics and timing.
Resilience of the Indian Army
As Indian patrols begin their rounds in the Depsang and Demchok regions, they do so with the lessons of the May 2020 transgressions fresh in their minds. The Indian Army’s resilience, coupled with strategic patience, played a crucial role in navigating this standoff. Their actions during the August 2020 operations near Pangong Tso, where Indian tanks blocked the PLA’s advance, showcased their readiness to defend the nation’s territorial integrity.
The resumed patrolling is a significant diplomatic win for India. However, with harsh winters ahead in East Ladakh and both armies will still be on alert, the journey towards long-term peace remains challenging.