External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently discussed the significant agreement between India and China to resume patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Speaking to students in Pune, he underscored the collaborative military and diplomatic efforts that made this progress possible, acknowledging the “very, very unimaginable” conditions in which India’s forces operate to protect national interests.

Unified Strategy in Securing the LAC

Jaishankar noted that this shift didn’t happen overnight; it was the result of coordinated planning between the government, the Army, and India’s diplomatic corps and was a team effort. “Our budget for deploying troops along the China border has increased fivefold, enabling us to maintain a strong presence even in challenging, cold conditions” he said. Over the past decade, the budget allocated to supporting troops along the China border has quintupled, allowing for a sustained military presence and critical developments in remote areas.

Diplomatic Efforts at the BRICS Summit

The breakthrough followed high-level conversations between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the BRICS summit in Russia. Jaishankar shared that the meeting helped set a positive tone, creating a platform for ongoing discussions aimed at resolving the longstanding border issues between the two countries.

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Fostering Economic Independence and Resilience

Jaishankar also touched on India’s efforts to develop domestic production capacities, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance to mitigate dependency on Chinese manufacturing. “Atmanirbhar Bharat isn’t just about economic strategy; it’s a self-defense mechanism,” he stated, noting that resilient supply chains are critical for India’s economic and national security.

Resumption of Patrolling: A Key Achievement

The recent agreement focuses on reopening patrolling access in key areas, including Depsang and Demchok, where patrolling had previously been restricted. Jaishankar explained that negotiations aimed at reaching this understanding have been ongoing since 2020, with the recent decision marking a turning point. “On October 21, we reached an agreement that in these regions, patrolling will resume as it did before, helping de-escalate tensions,” he said.

This coordinated approach by India’s military and diplomatic teams represents a step forward in stabilizing the India-China border and underscores a shared commitment to peace while reinforcing India’s strategic readiness.

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