India and China Agree on Border Patrolling
The Ministry of External Affairs in India announced a new agreement on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at the India-China border. This announcement comes just before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kazan, Russia, for the 16th BRICS summit from October 22 to 24.
Details of the Agreement
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri shared that the agreement is the result of extensive discussions with Chinese officials at both diplomatic and military levels. These talks aimed to address tensions that have been ongoing since 2020.
Background of the Tensions
Misri recalled the violent clashes in June 2020 between the Indian Army and China’s People’s Liberation Army, which resulted in casualties on both sides. The new agreement is seen as a step towards disengagement and resolving these issues.
Misri emphasized that the discussions have previously resolved standoffs at various locations, but some areas remained unresolved. The recent agreement on patrolling arrangements is expected to lead to disengagement and a resolution of the 2020 issues.
Significance of the Agreement
This agreement is crucial for stabilizing relations between India and China, as both countries aim to manage their border disputes and prevent further military confrontations.
Doubts Revealed
BRICS Summit -: BRICS is a group of five countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. They meet to discuss economic and political issues. The summit is a big meeting where leaders from these countries talk about important topics.
Line of Actual Control (LAC) -: The Line of Actual Control is a long border between India and China. It is not a clear line like a fence, but more like a boundary where both countries have agreed to patrol. Sometimes, there are disagreements about where this line should be.
Ministry of External Affairs -: This is a part of the Indian government that deals with India’s relationships with other countries. They handle things like agreements, discussions, and any issues that come up between India and other nations.
Vikram Misri -: Vikram Misri is an important official in the Indian government. He works in the Ministry of External Affairs and helps manage India’s foreign relations, especially with countries like China.
Disengage -: Disengage means to stop fighting or arguing and move away from each other. In this context, it means that India and China are trying to reduce tensions and avoid conflicts at the border.