The two-day 20th Round of Corps Commander-level talks between India and China in an effort to resolve the ongoing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh remain inconclusive.
Implications of the Inconclusive Talks
According to sources in the defense and security establishment, the Indian Army troops will continue to be deployed in the forward areas along the LAC in harsh winter for the fourth year.
Ministry of External Affairs Issues Statement
On late Wednesday evening (Oct 11), an official statement was issued:
“The 20th round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Indian side on 9-10 October 2023.”
Something Different
Till late evening, there was no official word from the Indian Army side. Also, the statement issued by China did not state if it was a joint statement. Usually, when a statement is issued jointly, China mentions the People’s Liberation Army.
About Pending Issues
The Indian side led by Lt Gen Rashim Bali from the 14 Corps in Leh, met with the Chinese team, headed by the commander of the South Xinjiang military district.
During the 19th round of India-China military talks on August 15, that spanned two days, no progress was made on the issue of Chinese presence in Depsang Plains, though both sides agreed to halt further military build-up.
Even though troops have withdrawn from the Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso, Gogra (PP-17A), and Hot Springs (PP-15), both India and China still maintain a significant number of soldiers and equipment along the LAC.
Seeking Resolution and Patrolling Rights
India has been striving to return to the situation as it was in April 2020, before tensions escalated in May 2020. They are also seeking resolutions to previous disputes, including those related to Depsang Plains.
One of the central issues under discussion is the restoration of patrolling rights for the Indian Army, a major point of contention between the two sides.
Current Friction Points
At present, there are two primary friction points in this standoff – Depsang and Demchok.
Depsang Significance
Depsang is of significant importance due to the Chinese troops blocking access to PPs 10, 11, 11A, 12, and 13. These PPs are located to the east of the strategic Sub-Sector North road and are in close proximity to the LAC. Notably, they are situated within the line that marks Indian Territory.
Patrolling Points (PPs)
Patrolling points (PPs) play a crucial role in asserting territorial claims along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The area around Depsang holds strategic significance due to its average altitude, ranging from 14,000 to 18,000 feet, and its valleys and plains that facilitate the swift movement of vehicles.
More About MEA Statement
According to the official statement issued by Indian MEA, both sides during the talks “exchanged views in frank, open, and constructive manner for an early and mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues along the LAC in the Western Sector, in accordance with the guidance provided by the national leadership of the two countries, and building on the progress made in the last round of Corps Commanders’ Meeting held on 13-14 August 2023.”
It added that both sides agreed to maintain the “momentum of dialogue and negotiations through the relevant military and diplomatic mechanisms.” And, “the two sides also committed to maintain peace and tranquility on the ground in the border areas in the interim,” the short statement added.