India May Resume LAC Patrolling Points Blocked By China

Indian troops may potentially regain access to specific patrolling points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, as they are reported to have made “significant progress” in resolving their differences regarding unresolved issues.

The Indian Express reported on Thursday that the process also involves the discussion of a potential solution that takes into account both India and China’s pre-April 2020 positions, as well as the ongoing concerns in Arunachal Pradesh.

The report stated that local commanders from both sides have been conducting meetings on the ground to prevent clashes, as part of confidence-building measures, as they strive to resolve the long-standing disputes along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, which includes exploring a solution that considers their respective pre-standoff positions.

Indian troops, who were previously prohibited from accessing specific patrolling points along the LAC due to the presence of Chinese troops or the establishment of buffer zones during the disengagement process, may potentially regain access to these locations, according to the report, which cited unnamed sources.

Unnamed senior officials confirmed to the national daily that these developments had taken place during recent diplomatic and political discussions between New Delhi and Beijing.

The 22nd round of Corps Commanders’ level talks between India and China is anticipated to take place in the near future to finalize the specifics, including the timeline for troop redeployment in accordance with the agreement.

At present, what is the current status of the LAC?

The report stated that troops stationed along the LAC are avoiding confrontation to prevent the accumulation of additional trust deficits, which could potentially delay the implementation of redeployment plans. However, they are still on alert.

In fact, local commanders from both sides have reportedly been convening to prevent any clashes, as an additional confidence-building measure.

The process of stocking winter supplies for the 50,000-60,000 additional troops stationed in eastern Ladakh is also ongoing. According to the report, the de-escalation and de-induction processes are anticipated to be protracted, despite the possibility of troop redeployment along the LAC.

The most recent formal disengagement at the LAC occurred in September 2022, when both parties withdrew their troops from Patrolling Point-15 in the Gogra-Hot Springs region of eastern Ladakh.

In the past four years, there have been partial resolutions to significant friction points such as the Galwan Valley, the north and south banks of Pangong Tso, and the Gogra-Hot Springs area through the establishment of buffer zones along the LAC.

Nevertheless, the current standoff has not resolved legacy issues in areas such as the Depsang Plains and Demchok, which predate it.

The national daily was informed by officials who are knowledgeable about the situation that plans are currently in progress to establish an additional division for Ladakh. Additionally, at least one brigade has been partially relocated to the region.

This division, which is anticipated to be the 72nd Division, is anticipated to be established by mid-2025, according to reports. This will allow the Rashtriya Rifles’ Uniform Force to revert to its original position within the 16 Corps.

Nevertheless, officials are purported to have stated that infrastructure development along the LAC will continue as planned to ensure readiness for any potential contingencies, irrespective of any modifications to troop deployment.