India-China LAC Agreement: Boosting Trade Prospects

India and China have reached an agreement on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. This breakthrough is set to create a more congenial environment for trade between the two countries, which may benefit Indian exporters and help address the bilateral trade deficit.

India has reached a pivotal agreement with China regarding patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, marking a significant step towards defusing a protracted military standoff. This move signals a more cordial atmosphere for pending trade talks between the two economic giants.

At the core of this agreement lies the promise of mental comfort for Indian businesses engaged with China, exporters have noted. Discussions are in the pipeline to identify and reduce dependency on high-volume imports from China, as stressed by Saran Kumar Saraf, a Mumbai-based exporter, underscoring the need for targeted strategies.

Though early to predict the agreement's impact, Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) Director General Ajay Sahai views this development as a stepping stone towards more balanced trade relations. With a trade deficit of USD 85 billion, India continues to push for greater market access for its goods in China.

(With inputs from agencies.)