New Delhi says border peace is essential for ties, a day after the ITBP chief confirmed ongoing standoffs at several locations
New Delhi, October 24: India said on Friday that the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) becomes disturbed whenever Chinese troops depart from established patrolling patterns. It reiterated that peace on the border is essential for the overall development of bilateral relations.
External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the remarks a day after ITBP Director General Shatrujeet Kapur said face-offs with Chinese forces had taken place at several locations in Arunachal Pradesh in recent days and were still continuing. Kapur, addressing troops in Alwar, Rajasthan, said the force’s new Shaurya commando unit had been mobilised. He added that drone platoons had been raised for all border units and a new “strike course” prepared for Galwan-style clashes.
Without referring directly to Kapur’s remarks, Jaiswal said both sides were using existing diplomatic and military channels to resolve outstanding issues and avoid miscalculation. They have also agreed to discuss improving their understanding of the LAC in certain areas.
The tensions follow reported face-offs at Taksing in Upper Subansiri district in July and August. Military commanders held their first round of eastern-sector talks on September 6-7, days before Chinese President Xi Jinping visited India for the BRICS Summit. There, India stressed border peace as the basis for ties, while Xi pushed a “dual-track” approach.
Relations are still recovering from the 2020-24 Ladakh standoff, with trade deficits, export curbs and visa restrictions adding to the strain
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