India and China have reached an important agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. This comes ahead of the BRICS Summit, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Announcing this at a media briefing in the run-up to PM Modi’s visit to Russia to attend the BRICS Summit, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the discussions with Chinese officials have resulted in a resolution on patrolling along the LAC. This, he added, would facilitate the easing of tensions along the border areas.
Misri made these remarks and said that the agreement was in fact, an outcome of the series of talks going on between Chinese officials and commanders with them. These discussions have already helped resolve standoffs at several locations. However, some issues remained unresolved until now.
According to the Foreign Secretary, the latest agreement marked a step towards disengagement. And thereby, the eventual resolution of tensions that had started following Chinese military action in 2020. “This is a constructive development,” he referred to the efforts put in over the recent weeks. The agreement will lead to an improvement in peace and security along the border.
While no information is available regarding the possible bilateral meetings at the BRICS Summit. The progress on patrolling arrangements may open the window for a discussion between PM Modi and President Xi.
The Ministry of External Affairs had said in August that India and China had a “frank and constructive” exchange of views over the situation on LAC. The two sides agreed to accelerate discussions as per meetings. Between their foreign ministers in Astana and Vientiane in July 2024. They also decided to step up diplomatic and military talks.
The MEA added that the two countries had agreed to maintain peace along the LAC by existing bilateral agreements and protocols. Restoring peace and respect for the LAC, they further underlined, was essential to normalize bilateral relations.
PM Modi will visit Russia on October 22-23 as part of the BRICS Summit in Kazan to discuss strengthening multilateralism and global security. “This will also be a good opportunity to discuss some of the important contemporary issues of the world. Apart from discussing future cooperation within BRICS”.
ANI
