The escalating tension between India and China, particularly at the ongoing standoff in eastern Ladakh, has drawn global attention. In the recent 11th round of high-level military discussions, China has reportedly declined to retreat from two key friction points – Patrolling Point 15 (PP15) in Hot Springs and PP17A near Gogra Post. A brief outlook on these points, including Galwan valley and Depsang plains, is given in this article.
Understanding Patrolling Points
Established by the China Study Group (CSG) in 1976 under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s administration, patrolling points (PPs) demarcate the regions within the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that the Indian Army can patrol. These PPs are vital for maintaining territorial integrity as the official boundary between India and China remains undemarcated. Currently, there are 65 patrolling points along the LAC in Ladakh, including PP15 and PP17A.
Patrolling Point 15 and 17A: A Glimpse
Located in an area known as the Hot Springs, PP15 and PP17A near the Gogra post are within territories where both countries largely agree on LAC alignment.
The Strategic Importance of Hot Springs and Gogra Post
Hot Springs lies north of the Chang Chenmo river while the Gogra post lies east of the river’s southeast bend. Both areas situate north of the Karakoram Range, southeast of the Galwan Valley, and are near the Kongka Pass, a significant boundary marker according to China. The presence of Hot Springs and Gogra post close to historically turbulent provinces, Xinjiang and Tibet, make them crucial strategic points.
About Pangong Tso Lake
Sited at approximately 4,350m, Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh is the highest saltwater lake globally, extending about 160km. While one third of this lake lies in India’s Union Territory, the remaining part spans across China.
Understanding the Galwan Valley Significance
The strategic location of the Galwan Valley, between Ladakh and the Aksai Chin region controlled by China, adds to its importance. The valley houses the Galwan River, which flows from China’s side of the LAC to Ladakh, meeting the Shyok River on India’s side.
Insight into Chang Chenmo River
Chang Chenmo, a tributary of the Shyok River and part of the Indus River system, lies at the southern edge of the disputed Aksai Chin region, north of the Pangong Lake basin.
Kongka Pass Details
Located in the disputed India-China border area in Ladakh, Kongka Pass or Kongka La is a mountain pass on a hill protruding into the Chang Chenmo Valley.
The Karakoram Range: A Barrier
Also known as Krishnagiri, the Karakoram Range is the northernmost of the Trans-Himalayan ranges. This range extends from the Pamir for approximately 800 km, marking India’s borders with Afghanistan and China. It includes peaks above 8,000 meters like K2 (8,611 m), the world’s second highest peak.
