Indian and Chinese military commanders will meet with the aim of defusing border tensions (File photo)
NEW DELHI: All eyes are on the upcoming meeting of Indian and Chinese military commanders with the five-point agreement to deactivate border tensions arrived in Moscow is expected to bring about an immediate degree of disengagement, even if a wider de-escalation takes longer.
The crucial test of the joint declaration that the foreign minister S Jaishankar and its Chinese counterpart Wang Yi hammered is in PLA moving away from the real control line. A verifiable untying process can ease tensions throughout LAC and reduce the possibility of new outbreaks, and this is considered a good result.
However, the lack of tangible progress will increase the prospects for conflict, as troops are positioned precariously close to each other, with spirits and suspicions high. It is considered that it will only be a matter of time before a more serious confrontation breaks out, given the unpredictable situation on the ground.
Here, the Indian government has made its position quite clear. Comments from high-level government sources and ‘recorded’ statements from the Chief of Defense Staff Gen Bipin Rawat they have made India’s red lines clear, stressing that the Indian military is “nowhere badly prepared” and that military options are on the table to deal with the border situation.
The tightening of the Indian position has come about as a result of the proactive maneuvers of the Indian troops between 29 and 30 August when they took control of difficult heights along the South bank from the Panging Tso (lake) while the troops are also relocated to the foothills of the north shore. The move has given India an advantage and brought troops closer to each other.
The focus on the unfolding situation is tinged with some hope that things will not get worse, given that Wang Yi is a high-ranking leader and also a state councilor. His comments the day after meeting Jaishankar also point to a desire to reduce tensions. At the same time, given China’s sustained aggression in recent months, the facts on the ground must change.
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