Did the US Help Alleviate India-China Tensions? Insights from the State Department

As India and China concluded the disengagement process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, the United States expressed its support for any reduction in tensions between the two nations but clarified that it played no role in resolving the border standoff.

State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, “We are closely following the developments (between India and China). We understand that both countries have taken initial steps to withdraw troops from friction points along the Line of Actual Control. We welcome any reduction in tensions along the border.”

In response to inquiries, Miller emphasized, “We have talked to our Indian partners and been briefed on it, but we did not play any role in this resolution.”

The disengagement process in two sectors began recently after India announced an agreement with China regarding patrolling along the LAC, effectively ending a military standoff that lasted over four years. This disengagement, completed in both the Depsang and Demchok sectors, primarily involves the removal of infrastructure and the withdrawal of troops from both sides.

The border standoff between India and China commenced in 2020 due to Chinese military actions, leading to prolonged tensions in bilateral relations. However, prior to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kazan earlier this month, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri revealed that India and China had reached an agreement concerning the LAC standoff.