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The current situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China, though stable, remains far from normal, according to Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi. This statement, delivered at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue in New Delhi, reflects the complex reality of the ongoing border tensions between the two Asian giants. While diplomatic efforts have yielded some progress, trust between the two nations has been severely eroded, leaving the future of their relationship uncertain.
General Dwivedi emphasized India's desire to return to the pre-April 2020 situation, before the violent Galwan Valley clashes. This desire encompasses restoring the ground occupation situation, dismantling the buffer zones established since the clashes, and returning to the pre-2020 patrolling patterns. The Indian Army remains fully prepared for any contingency, highlighting the continued concern surrounding the situation. The Army chief acknowledged the positive signals coming from diplomatic channels, but stressed that the execution of any solutions ultimately rests on the military commanders from both sides.
Despite the challenges, both India and China have engaged in numerous rounds of diplomatic and military-level dialogues to de-escalate the tensions. The two countries have already addressed some of the easier issues, but more complex concerns remain. The ongoing militarization along the LAC is a key sticking point, as both sides seek a favorable outcome in any negotiations. While diplomatic discussions suggest potential progress, it remains to be seen how these solutions will be implemented on the ground by the military forces.
The Galwan Valley clashes, which resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and an undisclosed number of Chinese soldiers, marked a significant turning point in India-China relations. The clashes underscored the fragility of their border management system and highlighted the deep-seated mistrust between the two nations. Since then, India has maintained that normalization of ties cannot occur without lasting peace along the border areas.
Recent reports indicate that both sides have made 'significant progress' on various issues along the LAC, including potential solutions that factor in their respective positions before the 2020 clashes and addressing existing issues in Arunachal Pradesh. Despite these reports, the ongoing militarization remains a significant obstacle. The resolution of this issue will require continued dialogue and a genuine commitment from both sides to finding mutually acceptable solutions. The road ahead remains uncertain, but the desire for stability and de-escalation underscores the critical importance of maintaining open communication and seeking a peaceful resolution to the border disputes.
Source: LAC situation with China is stable but not normal: Indian Army chief Upendra Dwivedi