India-China Standoff at Depsang: A Four-Year Impasse

For four years, a tense military standoff has persisted along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China. One of the critical unresolved friction points remains Depsang, a strategically significant plateau in eastern Ladakh.

Strategic Importance of Depsang​

Located at an altitude of 16,000 feet, the 972-square kilometer Depsang plateau holds immense tactical value. Of particular importance is its proximity to the 255-km Darbuk-Shyok-DBO (DSDBO) road. This road is a vital supply line, connecting India's strategically essential DBO airstrip near the Karakoram Pass. Chinese positions in Depsang pose a direct threat to this key Indian asset.

The Impasse​

In April 2020, tensions escalated along the LAC as China amassed troops and weaponry on its side of the border. Since then, multiple rounds of military talks have taken place in an attempt to resolve the crisis. However, the Depsang standoff remains a major obstacle to easing tensions.

India has proposed a three-step process for de-escalation:

• Disengagement: Both sides withdraw troops from close proximity along the LAC, returning to positions held prior to April 2020.
• De-escalation: Further reciprocal withdrawal of troops and equipment to levels before the standoff.
• De-induction: Complete withdrawal of all additional forces and equipment deployed since the standoff began in April 2020.

A particularly contentious issue is the buildup of troops at a location known as 'Bottleneck' along the eastern edge of Depsang. Until a mutual agreement on withdrawing forces is reached and implemented, India remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining a military presence along the LAC, stating "Till that is agreed upon and complied with, it cannot be assumed to be business as usual and Indian troops intend to remain at the LAC.”

Ongoing Efforts and Resolve​

Despite 21 rounds of military-level talks, achieving a lasting solution in Depsang has proved elusive. While some progress has been made, with disengagement occurring at certain locations, the stalemate over Depsang persists.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, underscoring India's resolve, affirmed, "India is no longer weak ….We should wait for the outcome of the talks. However, I want to assure the countrymen that India has not bowed down anywhere, nor will it ever bow down."

 

[Indian1]

If china has occupied our land, push them back. Otherwise this stalemate will never end

 

[Pink Panther]

If china has occupied our land, push them back. Otherwise this stalemate will never end

How do we push them back.

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

The Indian foreign office with its Colonial Nehruvian , Gandian teachings and work culture has been repeatedly found wanting whilst dealing with the Chinese . The foreign office babus and home ministry create problems and get conned by the Chinese and were in forefront whilst dealing with the Chinese . However when the balloon goes up they cleverly take shelter behind the green uniform ranks and send them upfront to deal with the Chinese . The Accounatbilty and Responsibilty of Babus and Netas who decided and ordered the army to withdraw from Kai;ash range Mountian tops be fixed without getting the Chinese to withdraw from Depsang and 1400 kms of territory occupied by them .