What is India-China LAC Patrolling Agreement? Key Points and Explanation

The recent agreement between India and China regarding patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) marks a significant step in addressing tensions that have persisted since 2020. This agreement aims to restore patrolling rights in key areas and facilitate the disengagement of military forces.

Key Points of the Agreement

1. Restoration of Patrols: Both sides agreed to restore patrolling by both Indian and Chinese troops in all areas in the LAC where it had occurred before 28 May 2020. These areas include the Depsang Plains and Demchok. Through patrolling points 10 to 13 in Depsang, Indian troops will patrol up to Charding Nullah in Demchok.
2. Frequency and Coordination: Frequency and coordination of the patrols will be twice a month with 14 to 15 personnel in every patrol in order not to clash. The two teams will share the patrol schedule, but regularly to avoid clashes.
3. Disengagement Process: The agreement is part of a larger disengagement process, which has been in place since the military standoffs became intense in 2020. Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described the agreement as a return to the status quo of the pre-2020 period along the LAC.
4. Monitoring and Compliance: Regular monitoring and monthly review meetings will be instituted to ensure adherence to the terms of the agreement to foster a spirit of cooperation between the two armies. 
5. Historical Background: The controversy on the LAC has been one of the disputed areas between India and China for decades. However, recent developments have brought the tension to the highest level, with deaths on both sides in 2020 following violent clashes. The agreement is essential for stabilizing this new set of relations seen after the confrontations.
6. Future implications: Although this accord is aimed at resolving present patrolling disputes, analysts hold that trust between the two countries can only be regained with continuous diplomacy and the implementation of work successfully on the ground end.

Key Areas Covered Under the India-China LAC Patrolling Agreement

The recently signed India-China agreement deals with the issue of restoration of patrolling rights along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) specific areas in eastern Ladakh. Some of the major areas covered in this agreement are as follows:

Depsang Plains:

The issue of restoration of patrolling points PP 10 to 13 in the Depsang Plains shall be restored to Indian troops.

This region is strategically significant as it is close to India's Daulat Beg Oldie airstrip and the Darbuk-Shyok-DBO road, which is a lifeline for military logistics and military operations.

Demchok:

Patrolling will be till Charding Nullah in the Demchok region.

This region has been contentious, where both countries have emerged differently over control and access affecting bilateral relations.

Coordination Protocols:

They will patrol in rotation, both sides twice a month with 14-15 people in each patrol party to avoid confrontations.

Routine schedules for patrols will be shared and adjusted between both sides to avoid cases of miscommunication.

Historical Background:

The accord tackles the long-standing issues before the recent cases of border tension in the year 2020, which resumed the previous situation of patrolling on both sides before May 2020.

The agreement is considered one of the biggest moves towards reducing military tensions and enhancing relations between both sides on their contested border.