India and China Agree on Border Patrolling: A Step Towards Peace
On October 21, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced that India and China have reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. This agreement aims to restore the situation to how it was before May 2020, when tensions arose due to actions by the Chinese military.
Positive Developments
During the NDTV World Summit, Jaishankar described the agreement as a “positive and good” development. He emphasized that the disengagement process with China has been completed, allowing both countries to resume patrolling activities as they did in 2020. Jaishankar credited this progress to patient and persevering diplomacy, highlighting discussions with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi since September 2020.
Foreign Secretary’s Remarks
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also commented on the agreement, noting that it was reached ahead of the BRICS Summit, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Misri explained that the agreement is a result of discussions with Chinese interlocutors and is leading to disengagement and resolution of issues that arose in 2020.
Future Prospects
The agreement on patrolling arrangements could pave the way for a meeting between PM Modi and the Chinese President during the BRICS Summit. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that both sides have agreed to uphold peace and tranquility in border areas, in line with bilateral agreements and protocols.
BRICS Summit
PM Modi will attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, on October 22-23. The Summit, themed ‘Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security,’ will provide a platform for leaders to discuss global issues and assess the progress of BRICS initiatives.
Doubts Revealed
Line of Actual Control -: The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is a boundary between India and China. It is not a clearly marked border but a line that both countries have agreed to patrol and respect.
Eastern Ladakh -: Eastern Ladakh is a region in the northern part of India, near the border with China. It is known for its high-altitude mountains and has been a point of tension between India and China.
Pre-May 2020 conditions -: Before May 2020, the situation along the India-China border was more peaceful. The agreement aims to return to that peaceful state, before tensions increased.
External Affairs Minister -: The External Affairs Minister is a government official in India responsible for managing the country’s foreign relations. S Jaishankar is the current minister.
BRICS Summit -: The BRICS Summit is a meeting of leaders from five countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. They discuss economic and political issues to improve cooperation.
PM Modi -: PM Modi refers to Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India. He is the head of the Indian government.
Xi Jinping -: Xi Jinping is the President of China. He is the leader of the Chinese government.