Tensions along LAC - India-China

Why in news?

With nearly four incidents along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in recent weeks, India-China border is witnessing the highest tensions since the Doklam stand-off in 2017. Click here to know more

How have things been since the Doklam issue?

• In the 3 years since the Doklam stand-off, both sides have done remarkably well to keep the peace.
• Prime Minister Modi and President Xi both agreed differences should not be allowed to escalate into disputes.
• Also, a clear message was sent to the two militaries to abide by the detailed protocols in place, such as those agreed to in 2005 and 2013.
• These regulate the activities of troops in the contested zones that lie in between both sides’ overlapping claim lines of the undefined LAC.

What is the current dispute?

• China's Foreign Ministry accused the Indian Army of “attempting to unilaterally change the status” of the LAC.
• The stand-off in Ladakh appears to have been triggered by China moving in troops to obstruct road construction activity by India.
• In 2019, India completed the Darbuk-Shyok-Daulet Beg Oldi (DBO) road which connects Leh to the Karakoram Pass.
• India also maintains a key landing strip at DBO at 16,000 feet.

What is the larger concern?

• The broader context for the tensions is the changing dynamic along the LAC.
• India has been upgrading its roads.
• It is well within India's right to carry out construction work.
• China already enjoys an advantage in both terrain and infrastructure.
• But China now seems to be telling India it has no right to carry out the kind of activity that Beijing has already done.

What is the way forward?

• Delhi needs to remind Beijing that a fundamental principle in all previous agreements is recognising the right to mutual and equal security of the two sides.
• The immediate priority now is for both sides to use existing channels and step back.
• Flag meetings between brigade commanders have so far been unable to break the stalemate.
• The incidents have underlined how the new LAC situation is placing existing mechanisms under renewed stress.
• So, India and China should grasp the current situation as an opportunity to revive the stalled process of clarifying the LAC.
• China has resisted this as a distraction to the boundary negotiations.
• But rather than agree on a line, both can instead simply seek to better understand the claims of the other.
• They can reach a common understanding to regulate activity in these areas.
• Clarifying the LAC may even provide a fresh impetus to the stalled boundary talks between the Special Representatives.
• A final settlement will ultimately have to use the LAC as a basis, with only minor adjustments.
• In the midst of an unprecedented global pandemic, it is time both the countries push for a settlement.

Source: The Hindu