US ‘closely following’ India-China LAC agreement developments.
During a recent media interaction, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized that the United States is “closely following” developments related to the India-China Line of Actual Control (LAC) agreement. Miller stated that the US values peace and stability in the region, recognizing that such agreements have broader implications for regional security. While the spokesperson refrained from offering direct opinions on the specifics of the LAC negotiations, he reiterated that the US is committed to supporting peaceful resolutions to border disputes. Miller also highlighted the US’s ongoing diplomatic engagement with both India and China to maintain open channels of communication.
Washington: The United States recently stated that it is “closely following” the developments surrounding the India-China agreement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and welcomes any progress toward reducing tensions between the two countries. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller made these remarks during a media briefing on Tuesday, underscoring the significance of peaceful borders in ensuring regional stability. He noted that the US appreciates any steps taken by India and China toward disengagement and lowering hostilities at friction points along the border.
“We’re closely following the developments. We welcome any reduction in tensions along the border,” Miller commented when asked for his perspective on the recent agreement aimed at stabilizing the LAC situation. Although he expressed optimism regarding the progress, he clarified that the United States has no direct involvement in the talks or agreements between the two Asian powers.
This recent development marks a significant step forward in addressing the military standoff between India and China that began in June 2020 following a bloody clash in the Galwan Valley, which resulted in casualties on both sides. Since then, the two countries have maintained an increased military presence along the LAC, with numerous rounds of talks at both diplomatic and military levels to address the standoff. The recent agreement is expected to de-escalate tensions by facilitating phased withdrawals of troops and the dismantling of temporary structures set up during the initial buildup of forces in the region.
Earlier on Tuesday, defense sources reported that troops from both countries began dismantling temporary structures that had been erected in the contested areas of eastern Ladakh, specifically in the Depsang Plains and Demchok. According to the sources, troops have been withdrawn to safer rear locations as part of the disengagement process, allowing for reduced physical proximity between Indian and Chinese forces. Both countries have agreed to limit patrols to fewer personnel as a measure to prevent potential confrontations. The patrolling, which will be undertaken to points hitherto inaccessible since April 2020, will be done by small parties of troops numbering around 10 to 15 soldiers,” the sources indicated.
The recent move is particularly notable given its timing, as the announcement was made shortly before the 16th BRICS Summit, held in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24. The summit saw attendance from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where discussions revolved around strengthening economic and diplomatic cooperation within the BRICS bloc. Analysts have speculated that the LAC agreement could reflect efforts by both countries to project stability ahead of key diplomatic engagements, seeking to assure international partners and domestic audiences that they remain committed to reducing tensions in the region.
Tensions along the India-China border have been a longstanding issue, with periodic confrontations and military build-ups occurring over the decades. However, the June 2020 clash in the Galwan Valley marked the first deadly skirmish in 45 years, pushing both countries to reinforce their military presence and infrastructure in the high-altitude region. Since then, diplomatic and military channels have facilitated several rounds of talks, but progress toward disengagement has been slow and challenging, owing to the complex nature of territorial claims and strategic interests involved.
The current agreement to disengage and reduce troop presence, albeit cautiously, has been viewed as a positive step in this prolonged standoff. The limitation of patrols to smaller units also reflects a cautious approach, as both countries seem to acknowledge the potential risks of larger military presences near disputed areas. By confining patrols to groups of around 10 to 15 soldiers, the possibility of unintended skirmishes can be minimized, allowing for trust-building measures to take root. These steps could serve as a precursor to a more comprehensive resolution of boundary issues between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Internationally, the agreement has been welcomed as a constructive move, given the growing importance of Asia as an economic and strategic center. The United States, which has developed strong ties with India and maintains complex relations with China, has an interest in supporting stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Miller’s comments reflect the broader US policy approach, which emphasizes peace and stability in regions with high strategic importance. While refraining from direct involvement, the US continues to monitor developments and maintain open channels of communication with both India and China on regional security issues.
Moving forward, analysts suggest that while the disengagement at the LAC is an encouraging step, it remains to be seen whether it will lead to a broader resolution of underlying territorial disputes. The Himalayan border, which spans thousands of kilometers, has been a source of friction since the early 1960s. Therefore, while recent actions offer a short-term reprieve, long-term solutions will likely require sustained diplomatic engagement and confidence-building measures between India and China.
In conclusion, the recent LAC agreement serves as a promising yet cautious step toward reducing tensions in one of Asia’s most sensitive border areas. The United States, while not directly involved, has shown support for these developments, underscoring the international significance of peace and stability in the region. As India and China continue to navigate this delicate process, the world will be watching closely, hopeful that this marks the beginning of a more stable and peaceful phase in their complex relationship.