India and China are two of the largest countries in the world, both in terms of population and economy. These two Asian giants have had a complex relationship for decades, with various territorial conflicts and political tensions.
In 1993, India and China signed an agreement to maintain peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which is the de facto border between the two countries. This agreement was signed during the visit of former Indian Prime Minister, Narasimha Rao, to China.
The agreement was aimed at reducing tensions between India and China in the border regions and improving mutual trust. It also provided for regular meetings between the military commanders of both countries to resolve any disputes and maintain peace along the border.
One of the important clauses of the agreement was that neither side would use force or threaten to use force against the other, and that no armed forces or military facilities would be established or expanded along the LAC.
However, despite the agreement, tensions between India and China continued to simmer. In 1996, the two countries signed another agreement, this time in the form of a confidence-building measure (CBM). The agreement called for the reduction of troops along the LAC, as well as the establishment of a hotline between the two countries to avoid misunderstandings and reduce the risk of conflict.
The 1996 agreement also provided for the creation of a joint working group (JWG) to discuss and resolve any issues related to the border. The JWG was also tasked with exploring the possibility of a boundary settlement, which has remained unresolved to this day.
The 1993 and 1996 agreements remain important milestones in the India-China relationship. While they have not completely resolved the border dispute, they have helped to maintain peace and stability along the LAC. The agreements also reflect the growing importance of diplomacy and dialogue in resolving international disputes.
In the current context, with tensions between India and China rising again, these agreements serve as a reminder of the importance of peaceful coexistence and diplomatic engagement between the two countries. As the world`s two most populous nations, India and China have a significant role to play in shaping the global order, and the 1993 and 1996 agreements provide a roadmap for how they can work together towards a more peaceful and prosperous future.