External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced today that Indian and Chinese soldiers will soon resume patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as they did prior to the May 2020 border standoff. Speaking at the NDTV World Summit, Jaishankar said a patrolling arrangement has been reached, allowing for disengagement and restoring peace along the contested border.

The breakthrough was confirmed earlier by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia for the BRICS summit. The agreement follows three years of negotiations after tensions escalated in the Galwan Valley, where violent clashes in June 2020 led to the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and over 40 Chinese casualties.

Jaishankar emphasized that the agreement marks a significant diplomatic achievement. “It was a patient and complex process, but this understanding creates a basis for restoring peace and tranquility along the LAC, a major concern for both sides,” he said.

He explained that the deal allows both nations to resume patrolling in areas that had been blocked since 2020. “This is a return to the status quo, with disengagement now complete. Further details will be shared in due course,” he added.

While the minister acknowledged the speculation surrounding the implications of the LAC breakthrough, he urged caution in linking it to broader bilateral trade relations, stating, “It’s too early to make that leap.”

Negotiations have been ongoing since September 2020, with both military commanders and diplomats engaged in talks. In August, both sides agreed that restoring peace along the LAC was crucial for normalizing bilateral ties. Jaishankar expressed optimism that this agreement would serve as a foundation for future cooperation, though some areas, such as the Depsang plains, still require de-escalation.

The LAC breakthrough brings hope for stability along the India-China border after years of tension and military buildup.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced today that Indian and Chinese soldiers will soon resume patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as they did prior to the May 2020 border standoff. Speaking at the NDTV World Summit, Jaishankar said a patrolling arrangement has been reached, allowing for disengagement and restoring peace along the contested border.

The breakthrough was confirmed earlier by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia for the BRICS summit. The agreement follows three years of negotiations after tensions escalated in the Galwan Valley, where violent clashes in June 2020 led to the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and over 40 Chinese casualties.

Jaishankar emphasized that the agreement marks a significant diplomatic achievement. “It was a patient and complex process, but this understanding creates a basis for restoring peace and tranquility along the LAC, a major concern for both sides,” he said.

He explained that the deal allows both nations to resume patrolling in areas that had been blocked since 2020. “This is a return to the status quo, with disengagement now complete. Further details will be shared in due course,” he added.

While the minister acknowledged the speculation surrounding the implications of the LAC breakthrough, he urged caution in linking it to broader bilateral trade relations, stating, “It’s too early to make that leap.”

Negotiations have been ongoing since September 2020, with both military commanders and diplomats engaged in talks. In August, both sides agreed that restoring peace along the LAC was crucial for normalizing bilateral ties. Jaishankar expressed optimism that this agreement would serve as a foundation for future cooperation, though some areas, such as the Depsang plains, still require de-escalation.

The LAC breakthrough brings hope for stability along the India-China border after years of tension and military buildup.