Breakthrough in India-China Talks: Disengagement Agreement

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts:

• India-China completed 21 rounds of disengagement talks.
• India emphasized restoring the April 2020 status.
• India’s diplomatic strength at BRICS, SCO, and Quad pressured China.
• High-level talks between NSA Ajit Doval and Wang Yi expedited the deal.
• Modi and Xi Jinping held bilateral talks after five years.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth:

India and China have been involved in 21 rounds of Corp Commander-level talks to resolve the longstanding standoff at Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh. The talks emphasized India’s firm stance on restoring the April 2020 status, which was deemed non-negotiable for any disengagement agreement.

India’s successful representation in BRICS, SCO, and Quad summits highlighted its diplomatic prowess, exerting pressure on China. This momentum was bolstered by India’s successful hosting of the G20 Summit.

Sources revealed that following high-level discussions between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in St. Petersburg, both countries agreed to expedite border dispute resolutions. This was pivotal in easing military tensions and advancing bilateral relations.

A month before the breakthrough, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar noted that 75% of disengagement issues had already been addressed. On October 21, India announced a significant agreement on patrolling along the LAC, marking an end to the military standoff that began in May 2020 after the Galwan Valley clash.

China confirmed this development, stating that an agreement had been reached on “relevant matters” and that it would work with India to implement these measures. On October 23, during the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping discussed this agreement, marking their first bilateral talks in five years.

Key Takeaways to Remember:

• The India-China talks led to the restoration of the April 2020 status.
• India’s diplomatic clout at global forums put pressure on China.
• The agreement was expedited by talks between NSA Doval and Wang Yi.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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