Navy Vice Chief Welcomes India-China Agreement on Eastern Ladakh Patrolling

Kota House — Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan expressed satisfaction over the recent agreement between India and China regarding patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Speaking to media ahead of the Navy’s flagship seminar, Swavlamban, he acknowledged the complexities involved in reaching such a settlement, particularly in the realm of national security.

“The path to resolving national security issues is fraught with difficulty. It’s not easy,” Vice Admiral Swaminathan stated. “Various factors including differing views, perceptions, and emotive issues complicate matters. Nonetheless, the fact that a settlement is in place is a positive development.”

His remarks followed Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s announcement on Monday, revealing that the agreement was the result of ongoing negotiations over several weeks. Misri indicated that the deal aims to address challenges that arose during the tensions of 2020.

During the media interaction, Vice Admiral Swaminathan emphasized the importance of negotiation in resolving such disputes. “When you engage in discussions, you address multiple elements of national consciousness,” he noted. “While I may not know the specifics, I am pleased to recognize that an agreement has been reached, which has been well-received.”

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reinforced this sentiment, stating that Indian and Chinese soldiers would be able to resume their previous patrolling routines along the LAC. He also confirmed that the disengagement process with China has been successfully completed.

As the naval force looks forward to enhanced stability in the region, Vice Admiral Swaminathan’s comments underscore the significance of diplomatic efforts in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes. The agreement represents a crucial step towards mitigating tensions and fostering peace along the contested border.