India and China Agree on Border Patrol Pact

Troops to disengage along contested Line of Actual Control
By Newser.AI Read our AI policy
Posted Oct 22, 2024 1:45 AM CDT
India and China Agree on Border Patrol Pact
FILE -In this handout photo provided by the Press Information Bureau, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits soldiers receiving treatment after being injured in clashes with Chinese soldiers, at a military hospital in Leh, Ladakh area, India, July 3, 2020.   (Press Information Bureau via AP, File)

India and China have reached a significant agreement concerning military patrols along their contentious Himalayan border, known as the Line of Actual Control. The deal, announced by India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, aims for the "disengagement" of forces from the disputed region. Misri highlighted that this advancement stems from several weeks of talks, intended to eventually resolve issues persisting since a deadly 2020 clash between the countries' armies.

The pact arrives as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to attend the BRICS summit in Russia, a meeting also involving China. Local media speculate that Modi might engage with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the summit. Although the agreement signifies progress, Misri offered no clarity on the possible withdrawal of the tens of thousands of troops amassed by both nations in the tense Ladakh region since the standoff began. Beijing has yet to respond publicly to the agreement.

Tensions flared between the neighboring countries in July 2020 following a deadly military conflict that resulted in the deaths of at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers. Since then, both sides have bolstered their military presence along the border, despite partial withdrawal from certain zones like Pangong Tso lake, Gogra, and Galwan Valley. Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar remarked the agreement as "a product of very patient and very persevering diplomacy," expressing hope for restoring "peace and tranquility" along the border, crucial for improving bilateral relations. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X