On Monday, a small contingent of Indian soldiers with rifles slung upside down on their backs rode on ponies for their first official patrol in the Depsang Plains since 2020. It marked the return to patrolling of a strategically vital region which has been at the centre of a longstanding territorial dispute between India and China. Under heavy surveillance and taut scrutiny, the patrol was carried out cautiously, signifying both the nature of the area and, by extension, the broader geopolitical dynamics. The deep history of Depsang and the current situation of the region is of immense strategic interest to India, as it has strong implications for the ongoing India-China conflict.
India carries out 1st patrol in Depsang since disengagement treaty with China, to take things ‘slow’
Only one PP covered. Here is why https://t.co/edlmT3RgPc
— Snehesh Alex Philip (@sneheshphilip) November 4, 2024
Depsang Plains and Its Strategic Importance
The Depsang Plains in the northwestern corner of Ladakh have been the focus of India’s territorial concerns with China for quite some time. This is an important region because it represents one of the main entry points to the strategically vital Aksai Chin region, an Indian region in Ladakh, currently occupied by China. In fact, the Depsang Plains are a part of the entire Line of Actual Control (LAC) dividing the Indian and Chinese territories in the region. Its strategic importance cannot be over-emphasized as it provides indispensable access to military logistics and troop mobility, besides overall western sector control of the Line of Actual Control.
Since the Indo-Sino War of 1962, the configuration of the LAC has been in question, as both sides had different perceptions of the demarcated territories. Although the LAC has not been marked, it remains the de facto border between India and China; therefore incursion or movement on the LAC assumes huge strategic significance. In particular, the Depsang Plains and its surrounding areas have often witnessed flare-ups, with both parties claiming key strategic positions.
China’s Adventurous Steps
The Depsang Plains gained global attention during the 2013 border standoff between Indian and Chinese troops. Within a month during that same year, reports mentioned the Chinese had set up camp along a distance of mere 19 kilometres from Daulat Beg Oldie which is one of the significant outposts for India. Finally, after more than three weeks, there was a mutual understanding where each side retreated. This incident showed China’s naked expansionist misadventure and how India takes Chinese encroachment in sensitive borderline areas extremely seriously.
The People’s Liberation Army has been steadily increasing its numbers and upgrading its infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control. Depsang is the narrowest stretch of the LAC and is the best entry point for Chinese forces to access Aksai Chin and further influence the Western sector. It is strategically imperative for India to maintain a strong hold over the Depsang region; if China manages to gain a foothold in the area, it could significantly alter the military balance in Ladakh, and threaten India’s access to critical border posts. However, the Indian government and the armed forces have maintained that all efforts challenging the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country will never succeed.
Current Developments: Indian Patrols in Depsang Plains
On November 5, 2024, the Indian troops made their first official patrol of the Depsang region in four years. The area has been in a state of standoff since 2020. This patrolling of over five kilometers into the line to reach Patrolling Point (PP) 10, speaks of renewed Indian efforts.
Indian Army conducts patrolling according to India-China mutually agreed agreements that are laid down in accords governing the movement along LAC. Although information related to any possible interaction with Chinese troops is not available, it is reported that China was informed in advance about the patrol conducted by India, which shows a cautious approach both nations have adopted in the recent few months.
The Depsang Plains and its adjacent territory are of immense strategic as well as military importance to India for its national security. This is the region where the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army can gain the maximum strategic and tactical advantages in case of a clash with China. India’s patrols in the Depsang Plains also sends a strong message to China, about how serious India is about its territorial integrity.
The China-India Border Disputes: A Historical Perspective
The history of the border dispute between India and China dates back to the colonial period when the British Empire and Qing China held divergent opinions about the boundary in the region. Since the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the two nations have chosen to accept the status quo on the Line of Actual Control. Since the war, both India and China have been participating in many rounds of dialogue to bring an end to this issue; however, no final agreement has been possible so far.
Since the 1962 conflict, both nations have increased their military deployment along the LAC. China has built strategic infrastructures in Tibet, while India has enhanced its military presence in the Himalayan region.
China has been attempting to establish some kind of an advantage in the region. It has been upgrading its infrastructure on the LAC, building roads, railways, and airfields, which it could use for the quick mobilisation of its troops.
Indian Defence Policy: Reaction to the Threatened Perception from China
Recent developments at the LAC – particularly in Depsang Plains and in Eastern Ladakh – have brought India to seek a sterner defence policy against China. India has developed new infrastructure in Ladakh and similar high-altitude regions building roads, bridges, and airstrips, and creating conduits for relatively easy mobilisation of troops. The Indian government further emphasised the need for integrating some new technologies with advanced communication systems to monitor and control a very long border with equipment such as drones and satellite surveillance.
Moreover, the proposed Mountain Strike Corps would enhance India’s reaction time and speed in deploying forces; it would also be more meaningful in the context of regions like Depsang and Galwan.
The Road Ahead: India’s Imperatives for Strategic Reorientation
In the immediate aftermath of the Depsang flareup, and the continued activity along the border, India is looking at an array of fields to maintain its strategic advantage.
Improvements in Intelligence and Surveillance. The Depsang clash has underlined the importance of intelligence gathering. India will look to further enhance its ability to gather military intelligence to better coordinate with various agencies in detecting activities on the border.
Infrastructure Development: This is one field where India needs to construct and upgrade its infrastructure at its borders. It has to build roads, airstrips, and other logistics capabilities to swiftly reach Indian forces.
Engaging through diplomatic means: Military preparedness is paramount; however, open diplomacy also needs to continue. India has always sought to engage with China through modes available at present like the border talks and the WMCC to manage the tensions and avoid escalation.
Mountain Strike Corps: Efforts to bring the Mountain Strike Corps into service should be continued so that contingents are raised in time to face conflict along the LAC with China.
Improvement in domestic defense production is a direction India should accelerate further, aiming at having advanced weaponry equipment technologies that avoid overreliance on supplies available from China or other vendors.
The Depsang Plains has been a critical flashpoint in the running border dispute between India and China. The recent Indian patrol reminds the nation of the strategic importance of this region and of the need for the country to sustain its military presence and preparedness. Military preparedness, engagement in diplomatic activities, and strategic partnerships will all need to come together for the continuation of Indian interests in the volatile border region.