IMPERFECT PAST

BILATERAL VISITS AND AGREEMENTS HAVE DONE LITTLE TO BRIDGE THE INDO-CHINA GULF ON THE GROUND

1988 Rajiv Gandhi pays visit to China

The first visit by an Indian PM in 34 years begins the normalising of ties after the 1962 war. Paramount leader Deng Xiaoping calls for shedding differences on the boundary dispute, pending a solution

1993 First post-1962 war border pact

On maintaining ‘peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control’ (LAC). Both sides to recognise the status quo and settle the boundary issue by ‘peaceful and friendly consultations’

1996 First agreement on ‘confidence-building measures’

Lays down the framework for cutting troop deployments along the LAC, curbing military exercises near the border and setting rules for settling face-offs between the two sides

2003 Vajpayee visits China

Both sides agree to appoint special representatives (SRs) to negotiate a permanent settlement of the boundary issue in three stages

2005 Agreement on political parameters

Calls for ‘meaningful and mutually acceptable adjustments’, ‘package settlement’ in western, middle and eastern sectors. China’s maps recognise Sikkim as a part of India

2013 Border pact and Depsang face-off

Three-week standoff in Depsang near Aksai Chin. In October, Manmohan Singh visits China; a new border cooperation pact tightens protocol for LAC patrolling

2014 Xi Jinping’s India visit and Chumar standoff

The two-week face-off in Ladakh clouds Xi’s first India visit. Modi calls for resuming the stalled LAC clarification process. China seeks a border code of conduct