New Delhi: Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi called the border situation with China as “stable but sensitive” during his Army Day press conference on Monday. He said that there are no buffer zones along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). He said, “It is stable but sensitive. There have been multiple rounds of discussions, including a meeting between the prime minister and the Chinese head of state. Regarding Depsang and Demchok, since April 2029, both nations have moved forward but halted each other from accessing traditional patrolling areas.”
General Dwivedi also spoke of that both sides have completed two rounds of verification patrolling, with both parties satisfied with the process. That apart, they have reached a mutual agreement regarding grazing grounds. He explained that buffer zones do not exist.
Tensions, distance and moratoriums
He said that in areas where tensions may escalate quickly, creating a distance between the two sides is essential. He said that some areas had been designated for temporary moratoriums during negotiations to reduce the likelihood of violence, with both countries agreeing to stay back from those locations.
On the subject of trust, General Dwivedi said that the relationship between the two nations requires a “new definition” after the events of April 20. He stressed the need for continued dialogue and hopes for the next special representatives meeting to help address concerns and rebuild trust.
India-China disengagement at Depsang
Last year in October, India and China successfully completed disengagement at Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh. As part of the process, both Indian and Chinese forces withdrew their forward-deployed troops and equipment from these two critical areas along the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC). That apart, they dismantled the temporary structures that had been constructed after the military standoff began in May 2020.
