India-China Patrolling Rights Restored After Four Years of Intense Negotiations

In a significant diplomatic victory for India, the Narendra Modi-led government has successfully negotiated the restoration of patrolling rights along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in East Ladakh, following a four-year standoff with China. The agreement comes after numerous rounds of military and diplomatic talks with the Xi Jinping regime, culminating in restored access to critical areas such as the Depsang Bulge and CNN Junction in Demchok.

The border dispute began in May 2020, during heightened tensions between the two nations, with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) preventing Indian patrols in key sectors. The recent breakthrough followed 17 rounds of talks under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) and 21 rounds of military dialogue, with both sides agreeing to disengage forces at these friction points.

For India, this agreement is a major achievement, enabling its forces to resume patrolling in sensitive areas that hold strategic importance since the 1962 Indo-China war. The restoration of patrolling rights also signals a broader de-escalation of tensions along the 3,488 km-long LAC, where both nations had significantly built up their military presence.

Although the Indian government has remained cautious in revealing the finer details of the deal, it is clear that both sides stand to benefit. The PLA will also see its patrols resume in certain sectors that had been restricted since 2020. Experts believe that further steps, including troop withdrawal, could be discussed at the upcoming BRICS summit, where both Prime Minister Modi and President Xi are expected to meet.

The de-escalation of military tensions is viewed as a positive step toward restoring normal relations between the two Asian giants, both of whom have deployed substantial military resources along their disputed borders. With the patrolling agreement in place, India and China may now focus on long-term peace and stability in the region.