On October 21st this year, India and China announced they will start disengagement, de-escalation, and de-induction from each other’s territories along the Line of Actual Control. This is being perceived as a new chapter of dialogue between the Asian neighbours after a somewhat cold relationship since 2020. So, what are these Ds crucial for the India-China relationship?
What are the three Ds central to the India-China dialogue?
The first D: Disengagement is the most crucial step as it lays the foundation for the process. Disengagement implies troops are stepping back from Depsang and Demchok. However, the patrolling will continue.
The next step is De-escalation. Now this is the return of both armies from the conflicted area. This also involves putting certain measures in place to avoid a return to resumption of hostilities.
Finally De-induction is a little more complicated. It would mean removing the troops from a location. Now, with the icy relations between India and China in the past, complete removal of troops might be a little tricky.
What is the current situation at the LAC?
On December 3rd, Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar briefed Parliament on the current situation at the Line of Actual Control. He said that the disengagement in the Eastern Ladakh area had been completed through a step-by-step process. The government continues to keep a constant watch on all developments. It will also take all the necessary measures to safeguard India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The two countries are expected to begin de-escalation soon, added Jaishankar. The union minister also put forward three principles for better ties, which must be observed by India and China.
What principles has S Jaishankar listed to enhance bilateral ties with China?
Firstly, both the sides must respect and observe the LAC strictly.
Second: neither side should try to unilaterally change the current situation.
Third: Agreements between the two countries agreed on in the past must be followed completely. Now, with the disengagement complete, relations between India and China have started to look up.
