LAC issue
Kartavya Desk Staff
Reference: Indian Express
Syllabus: International Relations
Context: India and China are learnt to have made “significant progress” in narrowing their gap on pending issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.
Progress on LAC issue:
• Recent Diplomatic and Military Talks: The 31st WMCC talks and upcoming Corps Commanders’ meeting are key to finalizing troop redeployment and disengagement along the LAC. Both sides are discussing implementation details.
• Confidence-Building Measures and Troop Movements: Local commanders are holding regular meetings to prevent clashes, with both sides on alert but avoiding confrontation. Redeployment of troops will be gradual, continuing winter stocking efforts.
• Infrastructure and Military Enhancements: India is planning to raise the 72 Division by mid-2024 for deployment in Ladakh, enhancing its military capabilities. Border infrastructure development continues to strengthen preparedness.
• Diplomatic Statements and Progress: Statements from both sides indicate that 75% of disengagement issues have been resolved, with disengagement completed at four points. Further talks aim to achieve complete disengagement.
• Legacy Issues: Long-standing disputes at Depsang Plains and Demchok persist, with Chinese troops blocking access to patrol points. Ongoing discussions are focused on resolving these legacy issues.
Background on LAC:
• LAC Definition: The Line of Actual Control (LAC) separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory.
• Sectors: It is divided into three sectors—eastern (Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim), middle (Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh), and western (Ladakh).
• Length Discrepancy: India claims the LAC to be 3,488 km long, while China claims it is around 2,000 km long.
Timeline of LAC Developments:
Year | Event
1959 | Chinese PM Zhou Enlai mentions LAC in letters to Indian PM Nehru.
1962 | After the India-China war, China claims it withdrew 20 km behind the LAC.
1993 | India formally accepts the LAC concept in a peace agreement with China.
2013 | Depsang Plains standoff, where PLA incurs into Indian territory.
2017 | Doklam crisis, China refers to the “1959 LAC” during the standoff.
2020 | Major standoffs in Galwan Valley and other areas, disengagement efforts start.
2022 | Both sides disengage at PP-15 in Gogra-Hot Springs.
Differences Between India and China on LAC:
• China’s Stance: China views the LAC in the eastern sector to align with the McMahon Line, claiming Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet.
• India’s Stance: India rejects China’s 1959 definition of the LAC and asserts that Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh are part of its territory.
• Border Discrepancy: China’s claim lines in Ladakh are vague, allowing for creeping military incursions.
Way Forward to Resolve the Issue:
• Clarification of the LAC: Both sides need to agree on an LAC map that is demarcated on the ground to prevent further conflicts.
• Ongoing Dialogue: Diplomatic and military-level talks should continue to resolve legacy issues like Depsang Plains and Demchok.
• Confidence-Building Measures: Local commanders from both sides should maintain regular meetings to avoid skirmishes.
• Buffer Zones: The creation of additional buffer zones can temporarily ease tensions, though permanent solutions are required.
Conclusion:
While India and China have made significant progress on disengagement along the LAC, key areas of tension remain unresolved. Continuous dialogue, better border infrastructure, and transparency in troop movements are essential for stabilizing relations and achieving a long-term resolution to border disputes.
Insta Links:
• What is the Line of Actual Control (LAC)?
Mains Link:
Quadrilateral Security Dialogue is transforming itself into a trade block from the military alliance, in present times. Discuss (UPSC 2020)
Prelims Link:
Q.‘Hand-in-Hand 2007’ a joint anti-terrorism military training was held by the officers of the Indian Army and officers of the Army of which one of the following countries? (UPSC 2008)
(c) Russia
Ans: (a)