‘Back to 2020’: India, China seal LAC patrolling deal

India and China have recently reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

This deal aims to restore military ties to the status quo of April 2020, before the violent clashes in Ladakh's Galwan Valley.

Agreement Details: The agreement includes specific patrolling protocols to ensure that both sides do not encroach on buffer zones.

Implementation: Both countries will work through diplomatic and military channels to implement the agreement. 

Future Steps: The agreement is seen as a step towards disengagement and eventual de-escalation of tensions along the LAC.

About the Line of Actual Control 

The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is a demarcation line that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory in the Sino-Indian border region.

Origin: The concept of the LAC was introduced by Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in a 1959 letter to Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

Historical Context: The LAC came into existence after the 1962 Sino-Indian War, and it is different from the borders claimed by each country. 

Current Status: The LAC is not a legally recognized international boundary but rather a notional line that separates the two countries.

Disputes: There are several disputed areas along the LAC, including Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh, leading to occasional stand-offs and military confrontations.