India and China Gear Up For 19th Round Of Military Talks To Address Border Tensions

In a bid to address the enduring border disputes along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC), the Indian Army and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) are preparing for their 19th round of military talks on August 14, according to informed sources. This move comes as the two nations continue to grapple with a more than three-year-long border row. Notably, the upcoming Corps Commander level dialogue will take place approximately four months after the previous military negotiation held on April 23.

Despite multiple rounds of disengagement agreements covering areas such as Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso, Gogra (PP-17A), and Hot Springs (PP-15), both the Indian and Chinese armies have maintained a substantial presence, with over 60,000 troops each, along with advanced weaponry deployed in the Ladakh theatre, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Key points of contention, particularly at Depsang in the Daulet Beg Oldi sector and Charding Nullah Junction (CNJ) in the Demchok sector, are expected to remain on the negotiating table during the 19th round of talks.

The timing of these discussions is noteworthy as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to participate in the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, from August 22 to 24. Speculation about a potential sideline meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping has emerged, given the diplomatic context. Additionally, President Xi is anticipated to visit New Delhi for the G20 summit in September. This follows an earlier interaction between the two leaders at the G20 Summit in Indonesia, where discussions focused on stabilizing bilateral relations.

Since the escalation of tensions in eastern Ladakh in April-May 2020, India and China have remained embroiled in a prolonged military standoff. The situation reached a critical juncture following a violent clash in Galwan Valley in which 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives. Despite contrasting official figures, with India reporting higher PLA casualties, both sides have acknowledged fatalities.

The Indian government's emphasis on bolstering border infrastructure and connectivity over the past nine years has bolstered the country's capacity to address China's actions along the LAC, as highlighted by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on August 7. The previous round of talks in April emphasized the importance of continuous communication and dialogue through diplomatic and military channels to facilitate a mutually acceptable resolution to the remaining contentious issues.