INDIA-CHINA TO ESTABLISH HOTLINE IN SIKKIM

THE CONTEXT: The Indian Army said that a military hotline has been established with the Chinese side in north Sikkim.

Analysis:

  • A hotline is a direct telephone line connection between two parties.
  • It will boost the spirit of trust and cordial relations between the two countries along the Line of Actual Control in the region.
  • The inauguration was attended by ground commanders of the respective Armies and a message of friendship and harmony was exchanged through the Hotline.
  • The hotline is between the Indian Army in Kongra La, North Sikkim, and China’s People’s Liberation Army at Khamba Dzong in the Tibetan Autonomous Region,
  • These hotlines in various sectors go a long way in enhancing the same and maintaining peace and tranquility at the borders.
  • India and China already have two military hotlines in eastern Ladakh – at Chushul and Daulat Beg Oldi in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
  • In February, the foreign ministers of India and China had agreed to establish a new hotline to ensure a “timely communication” in the backdrop of the Ladakh stand-off.

BACKGROUND OF THE ISSUE

  • India and China have been locked in a border standoff since their troops clashed in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh in June last year.
  • Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in the clash. China put the number of casualties on its side at four.
  • The setting up of the hotline came amid a continued standoff between the two armies at various friction points in eastern Ladakh such as Hot Springs, Gogra Post, Demchok and Depsang Plains.
  • India and China had held the 12th round of Corps Commander talks on July 31 in Moldo on the Chinese side,
  • In the previous meeting on April 9, the two sides discussed the withdrawal of troops from other friction points, after the completion of the disengagement process in Pangong Tso
  •  However, days after the talks, reports suggested that China has refused to withdraw its troops from Hot Springs and Gogra Post
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