Army Chief Stresses Vigilance on LAC Amid China Trust-Building
Army Chief emphasizes sustained alertness on LAC despite trust-building efforts with China.
Photo by Clark Gu
Key Facts
India, China enhance trust, vigilance on LAC remains essential
India considers 1963 Pakistan-China agreement illegal
India needs dedicated rocket-missile force
Pinaka rocket system tested: range extended to 150 km
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 2: International Relations - India and its neighborhood
GS Paper 3: Security - Border management, defense capabilities
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on border disputes and India-China relations
Visual Insights
Line of Actual Control (LAC) - Key Areas of Contention
Map showing the sectors of the LAC and key disputed areas like Aksai Chin and Shaksgam Valley. Highlights the strategic importance of these regions.
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More Information
Background
The Line of Actual Control (LAC) as a concept emerged primarily after the 1962 Sino-Indian War. While cease-fire lines existed before, the LAC solidified as a practical boundary reflecting the areas under each country's control following the conflict. The term gained prominence in the 1990s as both nations sought to manage border tensions through agreements.
Key agreements include the 1993 Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility along the LAC and the 1996 Agreement on Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) in the military field along the LAC. These agreements aimed to reduce military presence and prevent escalations. However, differing interpretations of the LAC's alignment have been a persistent source of friction, leading to standoffs and disputes over territory.
The Shaksgam Valley was ceded by Pakistan to China in 1963 under the Sino-Pakistan Agreement, a move India considers illegal due to its territorial claim over the entire Kashmir region.
Latest Developments
Recent developments include increased infrastructure development by both India and China along the LAC, including roads, bridges, and military facilities. This has led to a heightened sense of competition and potential for conflict. The Doklam standoff in 2017 and the Galwan Valley clash in 2020 significantly strained relations, leading to increased military deployments and a focus on rapid infrastructure upgrades.
Future outlook involves continued diplomatic and military engagements to manage tensions and prevent escalations. India is also focusing on developing indigenous defense capabilities and strengthening its strategic partnerships with other countries to counter China's growing influence. The establishment of a dedicated rocket-missile force is part of this broader strategy to enhance India's deterrence capabilities.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China: 1. The LAC is a formally demarcated boundary agreed upon by both India and China through a treaty. 2. Differing perceptions of the LAC's alignment are a major source of border disputes. 3. The 1996 Agreement on Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) aimed to increase military presence along the LAC. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect because the LAC is not formally demarcated through a treaty. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 1996 agreement aimed to reduce military presence.
2. In the context of the Shaksgam Valley, which of the following statements is correct? A) It was ceded by India to China following the 1962 war. B) It was ceded by Pakistan to China in 1963, a move India considers illegal. C) It is a demilitarized zone under joint control of India and China. D) It is a strategically unimportant region with no significant geopolitical value.
- A.A
- B.B
- C.C
- D.D
Show Answer
Answer: B
The Shaksgam Valley was ceded by Pakistan to China in 1963 under the Sino-Pakistan Agreement, a move India considers illegal due to its territorial claim over the entire Kashmir region.
3. Assertion (A): India needs to establish a dedicated rocket-missile force. Reason (R): Pakistan and China have already developed similar capabilities. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct? A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. B) Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A. C) A is true, but R is false. D) A is false, but R is true.
- A.A
- B.B
- C.C
- D.D
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason provides a valid justification for the assertion. The development of similar capabilities by Pakistan and China necessitates India to establish its own rocket-missile force for strategic balance and deterrence.
4. Which of the following agreements between India and China directly addresses the management of the Line of Actual Control (LAC)? 1. Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility along the LAC (1993) 2. Agreement on Confidence Building Measures in the Military Field along the LAC (1996) 3. Border Defense Cooperation Agreement (2013) Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 2 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three agreements directly address the management of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).