On Wednesday, India hosted the first border discussions on tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in four years, wherein the countries agreed to convene for the 19th meeting between their Senior Commanders “at an early date.”
The last discussions between the Indian Army and China’s People’s Liberation Army were held on 23 April.
While they agreed to hold military-level discussions, Wednesday’s negotiations ended in an impasse, with no progress on disengagement.
Overview
The two sides held the 27th Meeting of their Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs.
“The two sides reviewed the situation along the LAC in Western Sector of India-China border areas and discussed proposals for disengagement in remaining areas in a frank and open manner”https://t.co/3bkNeilKAW
— Aadil Brar (@aadilbrar) June 1, 2023
They participated in a review of the tensions along the LAC’s Western Sector, where they conducted “frank and open” discussions on the “proposals for disengagement” in the areas where tensions prevail.
According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs release, the two sides agreed that “restoration of peace and tranquillity will create conditions for normalising bilateral relations.”
To this end, they mutually agreed to continue engagements through “military and diplomatic channels.”
India, China Tensions
Important story by @Rezhasan showing the kind of preparation China has made near the LAC in the past three years and what it tells us about its designs on India. In any case, you prepare for an adversaries's capabilities because intentions can change quickly. pic.twitter.com/ngga1qAoD3
— Sushant Singh (@SushantSin) June 1, 2023
India and China are entering the fourth year of their military standoff along the LAC, bringing their relations to a six-year low. The tensions escalated after 20 Indian soldiers died during a physical brawl in Galway Valley in June 2020.
On several occasions, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said that ties with China cannot be normalised until peace is restored along their border.
In addition, soon after April’s 18th round of military-level talks, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a 45-minute-long discussion with Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu on the sidelines of the SCO meet, wherein Singh lamented the “erosion” of existing border agreements.
While four rounds of discussions have resulted in disengagement at Galwan Valley, Pangong Lake, and the Gogra and Hot Springs posts, the two sides continue to deploy over 60,000 troops each along their border. Depsang and Demchok remain the most prominent points of tension along the LAC.
According to an analysis of satellite images published by Hindustan Times, China has also been expanding its airfields along the LAC since 2020, constructing helipads, railways, missile bases, roads, and bridges. This will allow Beijing to expedite troop deployment along the border and expand its offensive capabilities.