The recent dialogue regarding the strategic Depsang Plains between India and China, held on a Major General-level, has been a topic of extensive news coverage. The two nations met at Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), keeping their conversations limited to the subject of Depsang. They discussed their varying claims on the area and the issue of blocking each other’s patrols.
Details of the Meeting
This was the first elevated level meeting since the Galwan clash that took place on 15th June 2020. Since then, military discussions have remained at the Corps Commander level. During this meeting, the only topics of discussion were routine patrolling patterns by both sides as part of border management. There was no mention of disengagement or de-escalation.
Depsang Plains: A Strategic Point
The Depsang Plains, along with Pangong Tso, are the two primary areas of concern in the ongoing confrontation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Despite its strategic importance, the Depsang Plains have not been the main focus of the military dialogues that have taken place so far, which have primarily centered on standoff regions at Galwan, Gogra Hotsprings, and the Finger area of Pangong Tso.
One of the few places on the LAC where tank maneuvers are possible is in the Depsang Plains. Chinese troops occupied these plains during the 1962 war. In 2013, Chinese troops came 19 km inside and set up tents, leading to a 21-day standoff.
Issues and Threats
There is a heavy Chinese presence in a critical area of the Depsang Plains known as the Bulge. Chinese troops have restricted Indian Army patrols from reaching various patrol points. Near the LAC, there has also been a build-up of tanks and armored vehicles on the Chinese side.
These actions pose a threat to Indian positions at Burtse and Raki Nala, located within Indian territory, and the DBO area, as it brings Chinese troops closer to the 255 km long Darbuk-Shyok-DBO road. Additionally, the Depsang Plains are close to the Karakoram Pass, which overlooks the strategically important Saltoro Ridge and Siachen glacier.
Challenges and Way Forward
Reaching an agreement with China is a significant challenge for Sino-Indian relations, as stated by the External Affairs Minister of India during the India@75 Summit organized by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). Both countries have unique billion-plus populations and are experiencing substantial growth while being neighboring modern states.
The need of the hour is finding a balance in foreign policy calculation, especially considering both nations’ diplomatic relations established 70 years ago. India and China both hold significant roles as some of the world’s largest economies, demographies, markets, and militaries. Therefore, aligning their energies for the growth and development of their people, region, and global peace would be beneficial for both nations.
