India-China Reach Landmark Agreement on Border Patrols amid Rising Influence

India and China, two neighboring giants with a long history of boundary disputes, have reached a critical agreement on patrolling arrangements along their Line of Actual Control. The deal is expected to ease tensions that escalated in 2020, fostering a more peaceful and cooperative bilateral relationship.

At a recent NDTV World Summit, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the complex dynamics between India and China, two neighboring countries with unresolved boundary issues. He emphasized the significance of these nations in shaping the 21st century and underscored their shared trajectory of economic recovery.

Both countries, possessing over a billion people each, are vying for increased global influence. Jaishankar pointed out the challenges in managing the simultaneous rise of two large countries in close proximity, calling for skillful diplomacy. He mentioned that the bilateral agreement on patrolling is a step back to pre-2020 conditions.

This development, viewed as positive by Indian officials, stems from prolonged discussions since the incidents in 2020 when tensions spiked in eastern Ladakh. The agreement signals a diplomatic milestone ahead of the BRICS Summit, fostering hopes of restoring peace and normalcy in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)