According to a readout from the Ministry of External Affairs, the 29th round of talks on the India-China border affairs was held in Beijing on Wednesday. The representatives from both nations engaged in comprehensive dialogues with the aim of achieving “complete disengagement” and resolving lingering issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Indian delegation was led by the Joint Secretary (East Asia) from the MEA, while China’s team was headed by the Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Department.
Background on the Border Dispute
Diplomatic relations between India and China have reached their lowest point in six decades, primarily due to an ongoing border dispute. The conflict escalated in June 2020, when clashes in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh resulted in the deaths of around 20 Indian soldiers. Since then, both nations have engaged in more than 20 rounds of talks in an attempt to restore peace and tranquility along the LAC.
No Immediate Resolution to Border Tensions
Despite the diplomatic efforts, there is currently no immediate indication of a resolution to the border tension, which has been ongoing for nearly four years. During the recent meeting, the parties shared detailed perspectives on achieving full disengagement and addressing unresolved issues along the LAC in the Western Sector of the India-China border. They agreed to maintain regular contact through diplomatic and military channels and emphasized the importance of adhering to existing bilateral agreements and protocols to preserve peace and tranquility in the border areas.
India’s Position on Normalizing Relations with China
India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, has made it clear that normalizing relations with China depends on conventional troop deployment along the LAC. During a conversation with the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur, Jaishankar stated, “My first duty to Indians is to secure the border. I can never compromise on that.” He emphasized that normal troop deployment is the “basis for the relationship going forward.”
Ongoing Troop Deployment in Ladakh Region
Despite four rounds of disengagement from key areas, including the Galwan Valley, a significant number of troops from each side continue to be stationed in the Ladakh region. The situation remains tense, and the resolution of the border dispute is yet to be achieved.
China’s Statement on Arunachal Pradesh
In addition to the border talks, China recently issued a statement expressing its refusal to recognize the “so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally set up by India.” Beijing claims Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet and objects to Indian leaders’ visits to the state. China has also named the area “Zangnan.” However, India dismissed China’s move to assign “invented” names to the area and stated that it does not alter the reality on the ground.
