Over the line

• China’s confirmation of a four-year military standoff with India is a positive development, paving the way for new bilateral ties.

• The agreement, announced by Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, is expected to restore troops to pre-2020 levels and positions.

• The agreement comes ahead of the BRICS Summit in Russia, paving the way for a possible formal interaction since 2020.

• Despite China insisting its troops are in its territory, there is a perception that Chinese troops have occupied more Indian land.

• The government’s refusal to fully brief Parliament or allow media access to forward areas has added to misgivings.

• It is crucial to demonstrate that Chinese troops have vacated the forward areas, and to learn from past lessons.

• The two sides will need to discuss whether the old framework of the 1993 Border Peace and Tranquillity Agreement and the 2013 Border Defence Cooperation Agreement still holds or if a new modus vivendi is needed to manage their differences over the border.