India, China Intensify Talks Over LAC Stand-Off Ahead Of Xi Jinping's G-20 Visit To Delhi Next Month

In a visible ramping up of efforts, India and China have engaged in high-level discussions just days after the 19th round of military talks at the Corps Commanders’ level. The Major General level discussions occurred on Friday (18 August) at two significant locations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh: Daulat Beg Oldie and Chushul.

The talks, led by Major Generals from both sides, appear to reflect a concerted push to address the persistent LAC stand-off. The timing holds significance, as Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit India next month for the G-20 Summit.

The talks were focused on addressing existing friction points, with the aim of resolving issues such as the Depsang Plains and Demchok.

Major General PK Mishra and Major General Hariharan represented the Indian side during the talks.

Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) lies near the Depsang Plains, where Chinese PLA troops have denied access to patrolling points since 2020, a concern predating the current military standoff.

Chushul is situated near the south bank of Pangong Tso, where Indian troops' surprise operation in 2020 occupied strategic heights, forcing China to come to the table after it occupied areas in the north bank of the lake.

The discussions also focused on establishing ground rules for patrolling and engagement. The talks will be followed up by respective brigade commanders and commanding officers on the ground.

The 19th round of military talks had affirmed the continuation of regular interactions at battalion levels to finalize finer details on patrolling limits along the LAC. Both sides had agreed to continue confidence-building measures in buffer zones until a decision is reached regarding complete access to old patrolling points along the LAC.

However, the latest round of talks did not result in significant progress on existing issues, both nations expressed their commitment to resolving these matters promptly through dialogue and negotiations.

This meeting gains significance ahead of the BRICS Summit in South Africa, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to be present.