India and China participated in the 12th Round of the India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting on Saturday. As a result of the discussions, the two sides have agreed to ensure stability along the Line of Actual Control and “maintain peace and tranquillity.”
According to a joint press release, India and China “had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on resolution of remaining areas related to disengagement along the Line of Actual Control in the Western Sector of India-China border areas.” The discussions were “constructive” and were designed to enhance “mutual understanding” between the Asian powers. While indicating a positive change amid the hostility, the two sides also agreed to resolve the remaining border issues “in an expeditious manner” and “in accordance with the existing agreements and protocols.” To achieve this, they vowed to “maintain the momentum of dialogue and negotiations.”
Global Times, a mouthpiece of the Chinese government, stated that the 12th round of talks “reached more consensus” than the 11th round. However, it clarified that the disengagement would not be as drastic as that achieved after the ninth round of discussions, which resulted in the withdrawal of troops from Pangong Tso.
Nevertheless, the latest round of talks indicates a possible end to the past 15-months of rising tensions between the two Asian neighbours. Official sources quoted by the Indian Express stated that China has agreed to disengage at PP17A, also called the Gogra Post. However, it is “not inclined” to step back from PP15, known as the Hot Springs area. The official said, “Modalities are being worked out. But on PP17A, there is an agreement to disengage. On PP15, China continues to insist that it is holding its side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).” The disengagement is likely to begin in the next few days, the official added.
The meeting comes after the Foreign Ministers of India and China, S. Jaishankar and Wang Yi, met in Dushanbe on July 14. The two sides also convened a virtual meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs in June. During these discussions, the countries decided to conduct military-level talks to achieve complete disengagement along the Line of Actual Control. Following the talks, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs released a statement saying that representatives of both countries vowed to “maintain dialogue and communication through the diplomatic and military mechanisms” to achieve “peace and tranquillity.”
In June, India moved 50,000 troops to its borders with China, marking a historic 40% increase in troop deployment in the region and indicating a shift in its strategy to a more offensive posture. It brought the total number of troops at the Indo-China border up to 200,000. The military manoeuvring was considered particularly concerning as it could aggravate the tensions in the region. However, Saturday’s meeting brings optimism about a prospective end to the conflict.