What is India-China LAC Patrolling Agreement? Key Points and Explanation

The recent agreement between India and China on patrols along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) marks an important step in resolving ongoing tensions since 2020. The agreement aims to restore patrol rights in key areas and facilitate military disengagement.

Points of Agreement

  1. Resume Patrols: Both sides agreed to resume patrols in all areas along the Line of Actual Control where patrols by Indian and Chinese troops took place before May 28, 2020. These areas include Depsang Plains and Demchok. The Indian army will patrol from patrol points 10 to 13 in Depsang to Chatin Nullah in Demchok.
  2. Frequency and Coordination: The frequency and coordination of patrols will be twice a month with each patrol consisting of 14 to 15 personnel to avoid conflicts. Patrol schedules will be shared between the two teams but will be conducted regularly to avoid conflicts.
  3. Disengagement process: The agreement is part of a broader disengagement process that has been underway since the military standoff became intense in 2020. Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar described the agreement as a return to the pre-2020 status quo in Latin America.
  4. Monitoring and Compliance: Regular monitoring and monthly review meetings will be held to ensure compliance with the terms of the agreement, thereby fostering a spirit of cooperation between the two militaries.
  5. Historical Background: The Line of Actual Control dispute has been one of the disputed areas between India and China for decades. However, recent developments have brought tensions to their highest levels, with violent clashes in 2020 resulting in deaths on both sides. The agreement is crucial to stabilizing new relations after the confrontation.
  6. Future implications: While the agreement aims to resolve the current patrol dispute, analysts believe trust between the two countries can only be regained through sustained diplomatic efforts and successful work on the ground.

Key areas covered by the China-India Line of Actual Control Patrol Agreement

The recently signed India-China agreement deals with the restoration of patrolling rights in specific areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Some of the main areas covered by this agreement are as follows:

Depsang Plains:

The issue of restoration of patrol points PP 10 to PP 13 in the Depsang plains will be returned to the Indian Army.

The area is strategically important as it is close to India’s Daulat Beg Oldi Airport and the Darbuk-Shyok-DBO road, which is the lifeline of military logistics and military operations.

Demchok:

The patrol will continue as far as Charding Nullah in the Demchok area.

The region has been contentious, with the two countries showing different attitudes on control and access issues affecting bilateral relations.

Coordination Agreement:

They will patrol in shifts, twice a month, in teams of 14-15 people, to avoid confrontations.

Daily patrol schedules will be shared and adjusted by both parties to avoid miscommunication.

Historical background:

The agreement resolves long-standing issues that preceded the recent border tensions in 2020 and restores patrols on both sides that existed prior to May 2020.

The agreement is seen as one of the biggest moves to ease military tensions and strengthen relations between the two sides on the disputed border.