NEW DELHI, September 6: India and China are holding their first Corps Commander-level military talks in the eastern sector on Sunday, marking a significant new step in efforts to manage differences along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh.
The meeting is being held at the Wacha-Damai border meeting point on the Indian side of the LAC, with senior military commanders from both countries participating in discussions focused on maintaining peace and addressing ongoing issues in the sector.
Lt Gen Girish Kalia Leads Indian Side
India is being represented by Lieutenant General Girish Kalia, Commander of the Army’s 3 Corps, during the military-level dialogue.
The Indian Army’s 3 Corps, headquartered at Rangapahar, and 4 Corps, based in Tezpur, are responsible for different stretches of the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh.
Sunday’s meeting is significant because Corps Commander-level negotiations between India and China since the 2020 military standoff had largely concentrated on the western sector in eastern Ladakh.
First Corps Commander Talks in Eastern Sector
The September 6 meeting marks the first time India and China are engaging at the Corps Commander level specifically in the eastern sector.
Both countries have differing perceptions of the Line of Actual Control at several locations, which have periodically resulted in face-offs and heightened troop deployments.
The latest dialogue is expected to focus on managing these differences, preventing escalation and maintaining stability along the sensitive frontier.
Arunachal Pradesh LAC Issues in Focus
The discussions come amid concerns regarding Chinese military activities and areas where the two countries continue to have differing perceptions of the LAC.
Recent reports have particularly highlighted developments around the Taksing region of Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Subansiri district, adding importance to renewed military-level communication between the two sides.
No official outcome of Sunday’s meeting had been announced at the time of reporting.
Talks Follow Doval-Wang Boundary Meeting
The military dialogue comes shortly after National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held the 25th round of India-China Special Representatives talks on the boundary question with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.
The Special Representatives mechanism provides the two countries with a high-level diplomatic channel to discuss their long-running boundary dispute.
The latest military meeting therefore represents a continuation of dialogue at both diplomatic and operational levels.
India-China Ties Still Linked to Border Stability
Relations between New Delhi and Beijing deteriorated sharply following the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, which triggered a prolonged military standoff along the LAC in eastern Ladakh.
Since then, multiple rounds of military and diplomatic negotiations have resulted in disengagement at several friction points.
India has consistently maintained that peace and tranquillity along the border are essential for normal bilateral relations.
Focus on Preventing Fresh Escalation
The Corps Commander-level engagement in Arunachal Pradesh expands the existing border-management dialogue to the eastern sector.
The talks are expected to provide senior commanders an opportunity to directly discuss local military concerns, troop activities and measures aimed at avoiding misunderstandings or escalation.
The opening of this new dialogue channel could become important for maintaining stability along the eastern LAC as India and China continue broader negotiations over their disputed boundary.
Further details are expected once either side releases an official statement on the outcome of Sunday’s meeting.
source – ANI
Supreme News Network
