India announces deal with China on patrolling shared border, sparking hope of better ties

Countries described as coming to terms on patrolling Line of Actual Control and leading ‘eventually’ to resolution in decades-old discord

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Armoured vehicles belonging to the Indian army arrayed at a military camp in eastern Ladakh in May. Photo: AFP

Published: 2:00am, 22 Oct 2024Updated: 2:38am, 22 Oct 2024

India has announced that it has reached a deal with China on patrolling their shared border ahead of the Brics summit, sparking hope that the uneasy neighbours could lower tensions in their four-year military stand-off and improve ties.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told reporters on Monday that the countries had come to an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India-controlled eastern Ladakh and China-controlled Aksai Chin.

“As a result of the discussions that have taken place over the last several weeks, an agreement has been arrived at on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border area,” Misri was quoted as saying.

“This is leading to disengagement and eventually a resolution of the issues that had arisen in these areas in 2020.”

Vikram Misri, a former ambassador to China, was named India’s foreign secretary in July. Photo: Weibo

Beijing has not immediately confirmed the agreement.

China and India share thousands of kilometres of undetermined border along the Himalayas. An unofficial LAC serves as a loose ceasefire line after the two sides fought a brief border war in 1962 and conflicts have erupted from time to time over the years.