The Line of Actual Control (LAC), an informal boundary between India and China, has long been a source of tension. Despite efforts to disengage and de-escalate, the situation remains fragile. Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi described the border as “stable but sensitive” during a press conference on January 13 in New Delhi. His comments underscore the urgency of restoring mutual trust between the two nations to ensure lasting peace.

The border standoff along the LAC has persisted since 2020, when deadly clashes between Indian and Chinese forces erupted in the Galwan Valley. These confrontations marked a severe deterioration in relations, prompting both nations to fortify their military presence in the region. General Dwivedi acknowledged that despite the October 2024 disengagement agreement, a standoff-like situation continues to prevail.

“Troop deployment directly depends on the trust factor [between the two armies], and the capabilities have been created on [the] other side. The current capabilities across entail we will need to maintain the troop levels,” General Dwivedi stated. He noted that while disengagement steps had been taken, the deployment of troops remains high on both sides, reflecting a lingering mistrust.

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