India, China hold in-person border talks

In the first visit by a top Indian official to China, the two countries discussed proposals for disengaging in the two remaining friction areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to create conditions to “restore normalcy” in relations.

• The discussion was held as part of the 26th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC).
• It remained the first such talk held in person since July 2019.
• Objective:
  • The discussed proposals for disengagement were for remaining areas in an open and constructive manner, which would help in the restoration of peace and tranquillity along the LAC in the Western Sector and create conditions for the restoration of normalcy in bilateral relations.
• Key points of discussion:
  • Both sides agreed to move forward on the basis of the consensus previously reached, accelerate the resolution of issues related to the western section of the Sino-Indian border, and reach a mutually acceptable solution at an early date.
  • Focus on other measures to ease the situation in border areas and to return the border to normalised control.
  • Both sides agreed to hold military talks.

The disputed location:

• China claims about 90,000 sq. km of India’s territory in the northeast, including Arunachal, while India says 38,000 sq km of land in China-occupied Aksai Chin should be part of Ladakh.
• There are several disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), including in Himachal, Uttarakhand and Sikkim.
• Patrolling Point 15 (PP15) in Hot Springs and PP17A near Gogra Post were among the four friction points between India and China.
• The other two are PP14 in Galwan Valley and the north bank of Pangong Tso.
  
  
• In Ladakh, the disputed areas include:
  • Pangong Tso lake
  • Galwan Valley, where Shyok and Galwan rivers meet
  • Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO), is a key northern region close to the Karakoram Pass.
  • The Hot Springs-Gogra area of the LAC
  • Demchok is close to the southernmost part of the LAC in Ladakh.
  • Chushul, located on the southern bank of Pangong Tso Lake, has an airstrip and is near Rezang La pass on the LAC.
  • Spanggur Gap along the LAC has roads leading to it from either side. India’s Chushul-Demchok road in area is a critical communication link.
  • Samar Lungpa
  • Trig Heights
  • Chumar
  • Dumchele
  • Kongka La