New Delhi: India and China have laid out a roadmap to achieve peace and rebuild trust along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) after completing the landmark disengagement of troops in Ladakh last month following a four-year-long border standoff.
The blueprint for the roadmap was agreed to in a meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun during the ASEAN conclave in Laos earlier this week. The meeting has provided new momentum to the agreement and signals a thaw in relations after years of tension.
Progress After Galwan Clash
Patrolling has resumed at two disputed points on the LAC — Demchok and Depsang. Moving forward, both sides are now discussing creating buffer zones and engaging in talks to de-escalate troop deployments in the region. During the 50-minute-long meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised the need to move from disengagement to de-escalation, marking the next crucial phase in restoring normalcy on the LAC.
What’s next for the LAC?
Discussions between the Defence Ministers revolved around the roadmap for de-escalation. It is essential to understand the stages of de-escalation to gauge where this process currently stands.
To reduce tension along the LAC, the strategy involves three phases:
- Disengagement: Troops in face-to-face standoffs are moved back to normal positions. This phase has recently been completed.
- De-escalation: Troop numbers along the LAC are reduced, with forces retreating to their barracks. Talks have begun to address this.
- De-induction: Troops and heavy weaponry deployed to the region are sent back to their respective bases, ensuring a return to pre-conflict conditions.
Following the violent clashes in Galwan Valley in June 2020, India carried out significant military deployments in eastern Ladakh to counter Chinese aggression. Over 50,000 troops were stationed in the region, alongside an arsenal of heavy weaponry such as 90+ tanks, 330 BMP combat vehicles, Pinaka missile systems, Howitzer guns, Sig Sauer rifles, drones and advanced radar systems
The Indian Air Force (IAF) also played a crucial role, deploying fighter squadrons such as the Sukhoi-30 MKI and Jaguar aircraft in an aggressive posture. Transport aircraft delivered over 9,000 tonnes of equipment to the frontlines, ensuring preparedness for any situation.
India also stationed large numbers of remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) for intelligence and surveillance, monitoring areas up to 50 km from the LAC.
Deployment in Arunachal Pradesh
Following the Galwan incident, India ramped up its defences along the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh also. Ultra-light M777 Howitzers were deployed in the mountainous terrain with the help of Chinook helicopters. In addition, light machine guns, Sig Sauer rifles, and other advanced weaponry were positioned to strengthen the region’s defences.
Galwan clash
Tensions along the India-China border escalated in April 2020 when Chinese troop movements were observed near the LAC. The situation turned violent on 15 June 2020, when a bloody hand-to-hand clash broke out in Galwan Valley.
During the skirmish, 20 Indian soldiers, including a Colonel, lost their lives. India claims that over 40 Chinese troops were killed, though Beijing has only acknowledged four casualties. Reports suggest that the Chinese soldiers used makeshift weapons, including rods studded with nails, to attack Indian troops.
An investigative report by Australian newspaper The Klaxon alleged that China significantly underreported its casualties, with the death toll likely exceeding 38 soldiers, including a junior sergeant.
