India-China Border Breakthrough: Resolved Conflicts, New Horizons

India and China have reached an agreement on patrolling their disputed Himalayan border, a significant step towards conflict resolution. Historically, tensions peaked in 2020 with casualties on both sides. Recent diplomatic efforts, including ministerial meetings, have led to 75% of disengagement issues being addressed.

India announced on Monday an agreement with China regarding patrolling arrangements along their disputed Himalayan border, marking a positive move towards resolving an ongoing conflict that escalated in 2020. The nuclear-armed neighbors have a long-standing border dispute that dates back to their diplomatic relations in the 1950s.

In 1962, India and China went to war over the border dispute. Since then, a series of agreements have been implemented to improve relations. However, in 2020, the conflict intensified, resulting in the death of 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley. Economic actions were taken, including banning Chinese apps and severing air routes.

Diplomatic engagements, such as discussions at the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in August 2023, have shown progress. By June 2024, about 75% of disengagement issues had been resolved, according to Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Talks continue to address remaining challenges, as both sides aim for a peaceful resolution on the ground.

(With inputs from agencies.)