The Indo-China Defence Minister level meet has recently taken place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in Moscow, Russia. This marked the first high-level political face-to-face meeting between India and China since the border tension erupted along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.
Significance of the Meet
The Defence Minister level meet was a significant point in Indo-China relations, due to it being the first in-person political meet since border tensions increased along the LAC. At this crucial meet, India firmly advocated for the restoration of status quo ante at all friction points along the LAC and called for an efficient disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh.
Backdrop of the Tensions
The current standoff between India and China at Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie has its roots in the territorial disagreements over the northern bank of Pangong Tso. The region isn’t merely a land possession issue but also concerns control over the resource-rich lake, which is monitored by the Finger Area – cliffs protruding from the Sirijap range. Recently, the tension has escalated due to infrastructure projects that India has undertaken, notably the construction of the strategic Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DSDBO) road through the Galwan Valley, which is not welcomed by China.
Understanding the Line of Actual Control (LAC)
The LAC is a demarcation line that separates territories under Indian control from Chinese-controlled territory. Its length is a matter of disagreement between the two nations with India considering it as 3,488 km long, and China stating it to be around 2,000 km. Each country’s understanding and claim over the eastern sector, middle sector, and western sector adds to the dispute. From India’s perspective, the Chinese occupation of parts of Aksai Chin lacks historical or legal justification.
India’s Standpoint at SCO
During the SCO meeting, India stressed the necessity for trust, cooperation, non-aggression, respect for international rules, sensitivity to each other’s interests, and peaceful resolution of differences for the prosperity and stability of the region. India expressed concern over the regional situation, especially regarding the security situation in Afghanistan. It called for dialogue based on mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs to resolve issues in the Gulf Region. Unequivocally condemning terrorism, India emphasised on the need to tackle both traditional and non-traditional threats including drug-trafficking and transnational crime.
About the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
Established in 2001 and headquartered in Beijing, China, the SCO is an intergovernmental international organisation with a vast geographic extent. It represents half of the world’s population and is significant for Central Asia, South-Asia and the Asia-Pacific region. It includes eight members and four observer states. The organisation has two permanent bodies — the SCO Secretariat based in Beijing, and the Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) based in Tashkent.
Way Forward
In light of India and China marking their 70 years of diplomatic relations in April 2020, both sides should recognise the urgent need to restore peace along the border. India needs to demonstrate military strength at the border to counter Chinese aggression and engage in effective diplomatic work, making it clear that any interference will lead to heavy costs across all spheres of their relationship. Through the platform of the SCO, India has a potent opportunity to underscore the real values of its Foreign Policy.