India, China to bolster confidence measures amidst eastern Ladakh tensions

In a bid to alleviate tensions and bridge the trust gap between the Indian and Chinese militaries, sources reveal that India and China are poised to engage in high-level talks led by Major Generals. These discussions are geared towards reinforcing confidence-building measures (CBMs) and de-escalating friction along the forbidding border in eastern Ladakh.

The CBMs slated for enhancement encompass upholding the integrity of buffer zones, strict adherence to border protocols, exchange of advance patrol information, and a commitment to avoiding troop escalation.

The primary objective of these talks is to avert clashes and inadvertent escalation between heavily armed rival forces stationed at the face-off sites in Depsang and Demchok, as well as within the buffer zones established subsequent to troop disengagements at Pangong Tso-Kailash range, Galwan Valley, and Gogra-Hot Springs.

This announcement follows the conclusion of corps commander-level talks, which yielded no substantial breakthrough. Sources indicate that this decision is part of a broader effort towards border disengagement, a pivotal move considering the upcoming BRICS summit in South Africa from August 22 to 24.

Both Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping are expected to attend this summit, followed by Xi’s visit to New Delhi for the G20 summit on September 9-10.