Geotagging, greater surveillance and more: Tactical developments undertaken by India post LAC disengagement with China

ndia on Monday, Oct 21, 2024, announced it has arrived at an agreement with China on patrolling in remaining friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. (PTI Photo)

Six months since Indian and Chinese negotiators arrived at an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control, India has taken some tactical developments along the LAC.

These tactical steps include initiating the process geotagging established patrolling points and other landmarks on the LAC in eastern Ladakh to aid easier identification and demarcation of its boundary with China, which in turn would enable smoother patrolling by Indian troops while preventing clashes with Chinese soldiers, The Indian Express reported citing sources.

The developments undertaken by India over the past six months also include increased surveillance, regular patrolling, frequent interaction between Indian and Chinese commanders at various levels and readjustment of Indian troops stationed along the LAC.

India's steps follow the October 21 agreement between Indian and Chinese negotiators which eventually led to the "disengagement and a resolution of the issues that had arisen in these areas in 2020".

The disengagement agreement was announced by India and was followed by a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China's President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia.

Officials said that both sides had completed the disengagement process and sweets were exchanged between both sides by the end of October. Within days, the Indian Army said it had successfully patrolled one of the five patrolling points in the Depsang area of eastern Ladakh — a first since the standoff began in 2020.

India and China have traditionally held differing views on the Line of Actual Control. The government says that while certain mountain features along the border are clearly identifiable, there were varying opinions on others, which have been discussed in multiple rounds of military and diplomatic-level talks between India and China.

According to the sources cited by The Indian Express, both sides have agreed to limit the frequency of patrolling to twice a month to each Patrolling Point along the LAC in eastern Ladakh and said that patrolling plans will be exchanged in advance between both sides to avoid a confrontation.

As part of the agreement, Commanding Officers of the units posted there would meet once or twice a month while Brigade Commanders would do so every quarter. Major Generals and above would hold interactions with their Chinese counterparts as and when required, the source said.

The geotagging of existing patrolling points, key features and landmarks, is expected to help demarcate the LAC clearly, aiding easier identification of disputed areas along the LAC for future talks aimed at resolution.

Among other steps, the Indian Army has procured multiple new drones of various sizes in recent months for effective monitoring of the LAC, a move that would help reduce the frequency of Army foot patrols without compromising on surveillance of sensitive areas along the border.

Several cameras have been installed along the LAC, adequate helicopter sorties are being carried out in the region for surveillance and monitoring, the sources told IE, adding that adequate creation and enhancement of infrastructure will continue along the LAC, including along the routes of troop induction.