At the BRICS nation’s NSA/Foreign Affairs ministers’ meet in Russia, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval engaged in crucial discussions with the Chinese Foreign Affairs minister regarding the long-standing issue of disengagement in Eastern Ladakh. The focal point of the talks was the Hot Springs area, which has been a subject of prolonged dispute and controversy between India and China.
The disengagement process has seen some movement over the years, with both sides withdrawing from four key areas, including the Galwan Valley. However, tensions persist, particularly around the Rezang La sector, where the Chinese Army extended the buffer zone, sparking concerns from the Indian side. While certain areas have seen an easing of the standoff, other strategic points, notably Depsang, have yet to experience meaningful disengagement.
Focus on Disengagement in Ladakh’s Hot Spots
Despite progress in some sectors, disengagement in Eastern Ladakh remains incomplete. The Hot Springs region is a particularly contentious point, and the recent talks aimed at addressing this. While both nations agreed to implement prior commitments made by their leaders, Ajit Doval emphasized that peace and respect for the Line of Actual Control (LAC) are essential for normal bilateral relations.
Moreover, both sides acknowledged the urgency of resolving remaining issues. They agreed to expedite the process and ensure full disengagement in the remaining disputed areas of Ladakh, which include Gogra, Depsang, and parts of the North Bank of Pangong Tso. The Indian side reiterated that complete disengagement and adherence to the LAC are fundamental to restoring normalcy between the two nations.
The Pangong Tso and Finger Areas: A Case for Patrolling Rights
A significant area of concern in the Ladakh region is the stretch between Finger 4 and Finger 8 on the North Bank of Pangong Tso. In an earlier agreement, the Chinese Army committed to vacating Finger 4 and moving back to the east of Finger 8, while the Indian forces agreed to withdraw to their base at Dhan Singh Thapa post near Finger 3. While this has mostly been honored, some challenges in patrolling rights remain unresolved. The creation of a no-patrol buffer zone, which lies entirely within Indian territory, has drawn criticism. This has raised concerns that India has ceded ground in a sensitive area.
The disengagement on the South Bank of Pangong Tso also involved both armies agreeing to dismantle military structures built since April 2020. Although significant progress was made here, lingering tensions remain in the Depsang plains and the Gogra and Hot Springs regions, where disengagement has not been fully realized. These areas continue to be focal points of contention between India and China.
Criticism and the Road Ahead in Ladakh
While the disengagement process is generally seen as a positive step forward, some critics argue that India may have given up crucial advantages. In particular, the decision to vacate the heights of the Kailash Range on the South Bank of Pangong Tso has been viewed by some as a significant loss for India, as it had previously provided a strong bargaining position. There is concern that the Chinese Army is under less pressure to disengage from other critical areas, including the Depsang plains.
Contrary to this critical viewpoint, most of the LAC remains uncontested, with both sides respecting the alignment of the border. The disputed areas where perceptions differ on the LAC alignment are confined to Depsang, North Bank of Pangong Tso, Demchok, and Chumar. These four areas are where India and China must focus their disengagement efforts in the coming days. Both sides maintain the right to patrol up to their perception of the LAC, with India patrolling up to Finger 8 and China patrolling up to Finger 4 on the North Bank of Pangong Tso.
Conclusion: Can Complete Disengagement Be Achieved?
The recent meeting between India and China marked a renewed effort to resolve the border tensions in Ladakh. Both countries committed to enhancing mutual understanding, maintaining communication, and working toward the complete disengagement of their forces in the remaining contested areas. As the situation continues to unfold, all eyes will be on the progress made in the key regions of Depsang, Gogra, and Pangong Tso.
For India, the successful resolution of these border disputes is crucial to ensuring peace and tranquility in the region, which in turn will pave the way for better bilateral relations with China. The coming days will be critical in determining whether both sides can overcome the remaining obstacles to achieve a full and lasting disengagement in Ladakh.
