India-China Border Patrol Agreement: What It Means, Why It Is Important

Sub : IR

Sec: India neighbouring countries

Context:

In a notable development, India and China have established a new patrolling arrangement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) four years after the Galwan Valley clash.
The arrangement allows Indian and Chinese soldiers to resume patrols as they did prior to the May 2020 conflict, aiming to reduce tensions between the two nations.

Context of the Galwan Clash:

The Galwan Valley clash on June 15, 2020, was a significant escalation along the LAC, resulting in the first deadly confrontation in the region since 1975.
Border infrastructure developments and differing perceptions of the LAC had triggered the clash.

Significance of the new Agreement:

De-escalation: The agreement marks a significant step towards de-escalation in a region heavily fortified by both countries as it is expected to reduce skirmishes.
Stabilisation: This arrangement is expected to stabilize conditions along the LAC, particularly at friction points like the Depsang Plains and Demchok. Enhanced stability may facilitate broader negotiations on long-standing boundary issues.
Confidence-Building: Resuming patrolling under pre-2020 terms serve as a confidence-building measure, reflecting a mutual commitment to return to a previously acceptable status quo.

Political Implications:

The agreement could lead to enhanced diplomatic interactions at various international forums and improve bilateral relations outside military contexts.
For India, this means better management of border infrastructure development without the looming threat of conflict.
For China, it represents a strategic decision to stabilize its border with India amid various global tensions.

About LAC:

The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is the demarcation that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory.
It is not agreed upon by the two countries, and is neither delineated on a map nor demarcated on the ground.
India considers the LAC to be 3,488 km long, while the Chinese consider it to be only around 2,000 km.
It is divided into three sectors: the eastern sector which spans Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, the middle sector in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh and the western sector in Ladakh.
The alignment of the LAC in the eastern sector is along the 1914 McMahon Line.
The western sector witnesses the highest transgressions between the two sides.

Other friction points along the LAC:

Demchok: Demchok is divided by the LAC, with India controlling the western part and China claiming both the eastern and western regions. The dispute centres on historical treaties and the precise alignment of the LAC, along the Charding Nullah.
- The Charding Nullah is a stream traditionally known as the Lhari stream and called Demchok River by China.
Pangong Lake: Pangong Lake is a contested area where approximately 50% is under Chinese control, 40% is in Ladakh, and 10% remains disputed.
Hot Springs: The Hot Springs area near Gogra Post is strategically important for India in enhancing its surveillance capabilities over the LAC. India’s control over this region enhances its defence posture, providing vantage points for monitoring movements in Aksai Chin.
Depsang Plains: The Depsang Plains are crucial for India due to their strategic access to the Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) airstrip and the Darbuk-Shyok-DBO road. Maintaining control over Depsang prevents potential threats from Chinese forces to these key logistics lines.