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The ongoing military standoff between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh has been a source of tension for several years. However, recent developments suggest that there might be a breakthrough in resolving the issue. According to Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, both India and China have engaged in “positive signaling” at the diplomatic level regarding the standoff. This positive momentum has paved the way for military commanders from both sides to come together and translate these diplomatic advancements into concrete actions on the ground.
General Dwivedi emphasized that while significant progress has been made since April 2020, with multiple rounds of diplomatic and military talks resulting in the resolution of certain issues, some crucial points of contention remain. He acknowledged that both sides have different perceptions of the LAC and stressed the need for a win-win situation in any negotiation. The military commanders from both sides will now work together to determine how the positive diplomatic signals can be implemented in practice.
General Dwivedi confirmed that all issues related to the northern front, including the unresolved matters concerning the Depsang plains and Demchok in eastern Ladakh, will be on the table for discussion. He emphasized that while the positive signals have come from the diplomatic side, the execution on the ground ultimately rests with the military commanders. The 22nd round of military talks between India and China at the Corps Commanders’ level is expected to be held soon to finalize the modalities, including the timeframe, for the redeployment of troops based on the mutual agreement reached.
The Army Chief painted a picture of the current situation on the ground, describing it as “stable, but not normal and it is sensitive.” He expressed India’s desire to restore the pre-April 2020 situation, including the ground occupation, buffer zones, and patrolling patterns. He also highlighted the loss of trust as a major casualty of the standoff. General Dwivedi further pointed out that China has been engaging in activities that raise concerns, including the construction of model villages along the LAC.
General Dwivedi addressed the issue of Chinese infrastructure development along the LAC, particularly the construction of model villages. He argued that given the absence of a significant Chinese or Tibetan population close to the LAC, China is resorting to artificial immigration and settlement in the region. He acknowledged that while this development might appear benign on the surface, it raises concerns when considered in conjunction with the situation in the South China Sea, suggesting a potential for the creation of a grey zone. General Dwivedi emphasized the importance of scrutinizing China’s actions and understanding their underlying motives.
General Dwivedi highlighted the Indian Army’s proactive measures to address the challenges posed by China’s infrastructure buildup. He mentioned the ongoing projects like Op Sadbhavna and the efforts to establish model villages along the borders. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Army, state governments, and the central government in this regard. The model villages being developed now are expected to be far more robust and effective than previous initiatives.