Talks to deescalate and ease tensions between India and China over their disputed borders have failed. Commanders from both sides failed to reach a consensus, which would have ended the standoff between their armies that has now lasted for 17 months.
The continued standoff has raised fears of more violent clashes. India’s defense ministry said it had given China constructive suggestions but they were not agreeable to them.
China’s military accused India of making unreasonable demands during the ongoing negotiations. It noted that the situation has become more difficult as the two sides have been stuck at unrealistic demands.
The commanders of the two armies met on the Chinese side in the Pangong Tso area to discuss the situation along the Sino-India border. The last meeting was held in February.
Reports said that reinforcements were also added at Depsang Plains and Demchok. Concerns over the large-scale buildup of China’s military infrastructure have been pointed out by Indian officials.
“Yes, it is a matter of concern that the large-scale buildup has occurred and continues to be in place… So, it means that they (China) are there to stay. We are keeping a close watch on all these developments, but if they are there to stay, we are there to stay, too,” Indian officials said.
Chinese officials said they are determined to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territory and they hope India will “not misjudge the situation.”
Both nations have tens of thousands of soldiers stationed along the de facto border known as the Line of Actual Control, backed up by artillery, tanks, and fighter planes.
From Ladakh in the west to India’s eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims in its entirety, the Line of Actual Control divides Chinese and Indian-held territory. In 1962, India and China waged a devastating war over the territory.
A year ago, a deadly clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers took place along the disputed border. The incident led to the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers.
