India-China at the G20
Context:
Recently, after the disengagement of troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), both India and China have agreed to discuss the key aspects of their bilateral relationship.
Relevance:
GS-2 (International Relations)
Key Highlights
- Both India and China have agreed to restart bilateral engagements, starting with resuming direct flights, issuing visas, permitting journalists, sharing river data, and facilitating Indian pilgrimages to Kailash Mansarovar.
- Both the nations have agreed to hold a meeting between Special Representatives and Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanisms to discuss the boundary issue and next steps in the relationship.
- Highlighting the principle of shared global responsibilities, both countries acknowledged their “constructive engagement” at multilateral forums like BRICS, SCO, and G-20.
Recent Developments:
- Both the countries agreed to disengage their troops along the LAC, especially from the major points like the Galwan valley, Pangong Tso, and Gogra-Hot Springs, excluding Demchok and Depsang, which still remain unresolved.
- The positive step towards disengaging the Chinese troops came after a meeting between India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi convened on the sidelines of the meeting of BRICS NSAs in St Petersburg, Russia.
- For the very first time, the use of the expression- “narrow down the differences” was made, indicating an optimistic move for the disengagement.
Significance for India
- Bilateral Ties: It can improve bilateral ties that had been frozen since 2020. Trades in sectors such as investment, travel, and people-to-people exchanges can be enhanced.
- Patrolling Rights: It restores patrolling rights for India in the region, enabling the local villagers access the Eastern Ladakh region, which in a way is a crucial victory for the country
