External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The discussion focused on reviewing the progress in troop disengagement in the Demchok and Depsang regions of eastern Ladakh, marking the first such interaction since the completion of the disengagement process in these friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The interaction carries profound implications for bilateral ties strained since the Galwan Valley clashes of 2020, and it signals cautious optimism for future India-China relations amidst broader geopolitical challenges.
The meeting comes after months of intense military and diplomatic negotiations that culminated in the disengagement of Indian and Chinese troops from the contested Demchok and Depsang areas in October 2024. These regions had witnessed prolonged stand-offs, severely straining bilateral ties and regional stability.
Jaishankar, addressing the outcomes of the meeting, emphasized the importance of recent developments while signaling the need for sustained dialogue. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he stated, “On the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio, met CPC Politburo member and FM Wang Yi of China. We noted the progress in the recent disengagement in the India-China border areas. And exchanged views on the next steps in our bilateral ties. Also discussed the global situation.”
The resolution of tensions in Demchok and Depsang represents a breakthrough in the broader military impasse that began in May 2020. The standoff led to multiple skirmishes, including the deadly Galwan Valley clash, which claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers and an unconfirmed number of Chinese troops.
Following this, both nations deployed tens of thousands of troops and heavy weaponry along the LAC, effectively turning the high-altitude Himalayan region into a potential flashpoint. Over four years of diplomatic and military negotiations, punctuated by agreements at various commander-level and foreign ministry-level talks, paved the way for the current disengagement.
In October 2024, both nations successfully implemented disengagement measures in Demchok and Depsang, allowing for the resumption of patrolling activities—a practice suspended since the escalation began.
Demchok: Located in southeastern Ladakh, Demchok is a strategically important area for both nations. The region has been a point of contention due to Chinese incursions and the establishment of military structures in violation of bilateral agreements.
Depsang Plains: Situated to the north of Demchok, near the Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) airstrip, the Depsang region is crucial due to its proximity to critical supply routes and its strategic role in controlling access to the Karakoram Pass.
The resolution of tensions in these areas is seen as a stepping stone toward restoring normalcy along the LAC, though experts caution that deeper issues remain unresolved.
The border disengagement has sparked discussions about the broader trajectory of India-China ties.
- Military Infrastructure Build-Up: Both nations continue to fortify their positions along the LAC, raising concerns about the possibility of future stand-offs.
- Economic and Trade Disparities: Bilateral trade remains robust, exceeding $100 billion annually. However, India has sought to reduce dependence on Chinese imports while scrutinizing investments in sensitive sectors.
- Geopolitical Rivalry: India’s growing alignment with the United States and its active participation in the Quad (with the U.S., Japan, and Australia) contrast with China’s global ambitions under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
- Perception Gap: India views China’s actions as attempts to alter the status quo along the LAC, while China accuses India of being influenced by Western powers.
The Jaishankar-Wang Yi meeting was one of several critical engagements at the G20 Summit hosted by Brazil. The summit, themed around “Sustainable Development and Inclusive Growth,” has brought together world leaders to address pressing global issues, including climate change, economic recovery, and geopolitical conflicts.
While the G20 primarily focuses on economic and developmental matters, bilateral engagements like the India-China meeting highlight the summit’s role in fostering dialogue on security and diplomatic issues.
In the wake of the meeting, Wang Yi highlighted China’s commitment to peaceful relations, stating, “China values its relationship with India and hopes to work together in addressing challenges and fostering mutual trust.”
Meanwhile, Indian defense experts have welcomed the disengagement but remain cautious. “The resolution of tensions in Demchok and Depsang is a positive development. However, long-term peace requires addressing the larger boundary dispute and ensuring that agreements are adhered to by both sides,” said Lt. Gen. (Retd.) D.S. Hooda.
While the recent disengagement signals progress, it is not a comprehensive solution to the India-China border dispute. Both nations will need to address lingering issues through sustained dialogue and adherence to established protocols.
- Continued Dialogue: Regular high-level interactions to build trust and resolve pending issues.
- Boundary Negotiations: Reviving the stalled discussions under the framework of the Special Representatives mechanism.
- Confidence-Building Measures: Enhancing communication between military and civilian leadership to prevent future stand-offs.
- Bilateral Cooperation: Exploring areas of mutual interest, including climate change, counter-terrorism, and trade, to broaden the scope of engagement.
