Days of disengagement: On India-China LAC standoff

IASbaba

July 8, 2020

INTERNATIONAL/ SECURITY

Topic: General Studies 2,3:

India and its neighbourhood relations

Security & challenges in border areas

Context: After two months of stand-off along the LAC, India and China are moving towards a full disengagement

Why peace & tranquillity is needed now?

This was the first time the LAC has seen such casualties in over four decades, disengagement is needed to prevent the tensions spiralling out of control that may lead to a war
India is battling multiple battle now (COVID-19, Slowing economy, Kashmir reorganisation) and cannot afford to have prolonged border tensions with China

India-China border Clashes during May – To read more about it, Click here

What exactly is the controversy about Galwan Valley? – Click Here

Factors leading to escalation and strategic implication of dispute – Read here

Reducing border tensions & move towards disengagement

After Diplomacy at high levels (Military & NSA), movement towards de-escalation is said to be taking place in the military build-up at the Line of Actual Control
While the statements made in New Delhi and Beijing were not identical in language, they largely conveyed a consensus to restore peace and tranquillity at the LAC.
The next step will be to see their agreements carried out and to ensure that Chinese troops withdraw as promised on each of the three points discussed: Galwan, Hot Springs and Gogra.

Challenges with regard to disengagement process

Bad precedence: It was during a disengagement verification operation by the Indian troops that the Galwan clash is believed to have occurred.

Need resolution at other points: Chinese ground units have consolidated their position in the Pangong Tso area. Therefore, similar disengagement exercises will have to be undertaken for other points along the LAC.

Needs follow-up action: Disengagement and de-escalation must be accompanied by defined “end-points” for troops to withdraw to, to ensure they do not reoccupy positions vacated.

Communication to Citizens: The government should inform the country about the progress & considered measures such as “buffer zones”, the patrolling-free period, and the reasons for the decision to pull back Indian troops in the areas of disengagement.

Way Ahead

A full inquiry is needed of the build-up to the clash and the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers.
The government must consider whether it will continue its course of economic counter-measures against China, that includes
- Banning of apps
- Investment restrictions
- An import slowdown (increased custom duties)
In small steps over time, India and China must return to a more balanced relationship.

Connecting the dots: