Behind Modi-Xi talks: Patrolling, grazing restored; slight thinning of deployment likely, says report

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Xi Jinping in China on Sunday for the first time in seven years, where both leaders noted a “clear improvement” in the situation along the border, says a report.

Their remarks during bilateral talks in Tianjin reflected over a year of groundwork by both sides to ease tensions — from scaling down aggressive drills and rhetoric to holding near-daily meetings at key flashpoints, The Indian Express reported.

Signs of easing tensions

According to security sources, a “slight” thinning of troops along the border could soon be on the table. But they cautioned that deep-rooted mistrust remains, particularly over militarisation.

For more than a year, even before the border patrol agreement signed last October, there had been no reports of verbal clashes between forces, especially in Eastern Ladakh. “Even banner drills, a common practice during patrolling when the two forces meet in disputed areas, is off the routine,” a security establishment officer said. Banner drills typically involve soldiers unfurling signs telling the other side to “Go Back” along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

New protocols on the ground

At Hot Spring in Demchok — once a hotspot — local commanders now meet almost daily to address civilian-related issues. The October agreement also restored grazing rights, allowing herders on both sides to access pastures in disputed areas.

“Sometimes, these cattle stray further into each other’s territory. Earlier, they would be held for days or there would be heated exchanges over them. After the 2020 Galwan incident, the cattle were not even allowed access to pastures. Now, there are daily exchanges of cattle, and issues are sorted out amicably,” another officer said.

Patrolling has also resumed in traditional areas. “Our traditional patrolling between Patrolling Points 10 and 13 in the Depsang Plains, restored through the October agreement, is happening on a daily basis without any hiccups. The Chinese PLA (People’s Liberation Army), too, is accessing its traditional patrolling point in the region, at Lone Stone, without any interruption from our side. In the Galwan valley, too, patrolling by either side is continuing without interruption,” a Defence official said.

Positive signs beyond the border

Sources also pointed to the “warmer welcome” and “great arrangements” for pilgrims on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which resumed on June 30 after five years, as another indicator of easing ties.

Hurdles persist

Despite progress, hurdles persist. The legacy of the 2020 Galwan clash, which left 25 Indian soldiers dead, remains unresolved. Competition in border infrastructure and broader geopolitical maneuvering along the LAC continue to fuel suspicion.

“The Chinese side do appear interested in thinning down forces on the border. But India intends to wait and watch. It is easier for China to redeploy quickly if things go south again. They are on a plateau with a great network of roads. We have to climb hills and negotiate far tougher terrains. Yet, if an understanding is reached, some thinning of forces may happen in due course,” an officer said.