The discussions focused on bolstering cross-border cooperation and exploring a “fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable” solution to the long-standing border dispute. This meeting comes in the aftermath of a turbulent period marked by military confrontations in eastern Ladakh, which began in May 2020, leading to a violent clash in June and a subsequent freeze in trade and diplomatic engagements.
Speaking to CNBC-TV18, Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow at Taihe Institute, emphasised the need for gradual steps to rebuild trust between the two nations. “It is very important to acknowledge that this is all small steps for building confidence,” Tangen remarked. He explained that after a period of heightened tensions, marked by the violent clashes in Ladakh, both sides need to focus on restoring trust and adherence to agreements.
Tangen further stressed that any lasting solution to the border issue would require more than just addressing territorial disputes. “There has to be a grand pact between China and India on areas of influence, how to handle trade, and expanding trade in a way that does not threaten India’s interests,” he said. He underscored the need for a holistic approach that includes economic, political, and strategic elements aimed at fostering long-term cooperation rather than conflict.
According to Tangen, the two countries must move beyond the colonial legacy of division and work toward a future of collaborative growth.
Meanwhile, Lt. Gen SL Narasimhan, a former member of the National Security Advisory Board, highlighted that while the disengagement along friction points in eastern Ladakh had been completed, it was just one step in the larger process. He stressed the importance of addressing the temporary moratorium on patrolling certain areas, a crucial measure that still requires attention. “The second step is de-escalation, where additional troops must withdraw from the frontline areas. This will require extensive discussions,” he explained.
Narasimhan pointed out that the future steps would involve further negotiations, with the de-induction of troops as a necessary follow-up.
He also noted the significance of the discussions between India and China, where the two sides have outlined multiple areas of cooperation. These include exploring ways to resolve the boundary issue, as well as potentially reopening the Mansarovar Yatra, resuming cross-border data sharing, and renewing border trade. According to Narasimhan, these actions represent positive developments, especially in the context of the 2005 agreement, which he referred to as the first step in a multi-step process to resolve the boundary dispute.
Watch the accompanying video for the entire discussion.
