India and China have taken an important step on their long-standing disputed border, reaching an agreement to withdraw troops from two major conflict points and holding preliminary consultations on border patrols. The move brings a glimmer of hope for easing relations between the two countries, but the complex geopolitical background and historical issues have also added considerable challenges to the peace process.

The beginning of the road to peace: withdrawal and border agreement

At the BRICS summit in October, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first formal meeting since 2019, during which the two sides pledged to work to improve bilateral relations. Shortly after the meeting, China and India completed the withdrawal of troops from two confrontation points in the disputed border area in the Himalayas, which also became an important turning point in the relationship between the two countries. Although the Sino-Indian border issue has a long history, the withdrawal agreement seems to release the willingness of the two countries to build trust in the conflict area.

Against the backdrop of frequent border conflicts in recent years, Indian security experts have cautiously welcomed the latest agreement. They believe that the withdrawal is only the "first step" of the peace process, and a more long-term peaceful relationship needs to include further "de-escalation" and "withdrawal" of troops from the conflict zone. Only after these steps are completed can the confidence-building measures become more meaningful.

Lack of trust: Can peace really last?

Although the agreement marks a positive start, the long-term distrust in Sino-Indian relations is still deeply rooted in the historical and political realities between the two countries. China expert Ranade pointed out that although the current withdrawal measures help to build initial trust, "peace without trust is extremely fragile." He believes that Beijing's strong posture in the Asia-Pacific region has not yet calmed the concerns of the outside world, which has also made India wary of China's intentions.

Independent researcher De Souza further pointed out that the Sino-Indian border dispute is only the tip of the iceberg of the problems between the two countries. Other issues such as Pakistan-sponsored terrorist activities, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the trade imbalance between China and India have caused endless problems in the relationship between the two countries. De Souza believes that unless China can show respect and cooperation with India on a wider range of issues, even if the border conflict is temporarily eased, the tension in bilateral relations will not disappear.

Strategic Game: India's "Three Ds" Plan and Military Interaction

In order to further promote the peace process, India proposed the "Three Ds", namely "disengagement", "de-escalation" and "de-induction". Chatterjee, a former Indian Army official, pointed out that this plan aims to gradually reduce the military confrontation between the two sides. Chatterjee suggested that through regular meetings of battalion-level officers and a comprehensive ban on weapons in the border area, the two sides can gradually build trust. This plan not only hopes to achieve disengagement in the military, but also strives to reach a real peace consensus at the policy level.

In addition, Chatterjee believes that strengthening military interactions between China and India to a certain extent, such as exercises or mutual visits, can create a better atmosphere for future cooperation. However, to what extent such interactions can establish long-term trust is still full of uncertainty.

Realistic Challenge: How to Really Maintain Peace?

Although the two sides have reached a preliminary agreement, how to maintain peace for a long time has become the focus of experts. China and India need to maintain the necessary transparency on the border to avoid excessive expansion of nationalist sentiments. At the same time, establishing a stable buffer zone and a transparent information exchange mechanism is also the key to reducing misjudgment and escalation of conflicts.

Kumar, an expert on Chinese issues, said that China and India have reached many agreements on peace and stability in the past, but many of them have not been implemented for a long time. Therefore, the current agreement still needs to be verified through practical actions. Kumar emphasized: "The current state between China and India cannot be called true peace, but more of a 'no hostilities'. Although the troops of both sides have withdrawn from the direct confrontation area, they are still stationed in the nearby conflict area."

Kumar believes that only after the completion of comprehensive de-escalation and withdrawal can China and India really begin to explore how to maintain long-term peace. More importantly, the two sides need to establish a long-term and effective mechanism for the peace process in order to better manage the risk of conflict in the future.

The future of the peace process: the exploration of common development and coexistence

In the rapid changes in the geopolitical and economic landscape, China and India are not only competitors, but also neighbors that need cooperation. De Sousa believes that China and India should strive to explore a model of achieving common development through competition. She pointed out: "China and India must work together to establish a mechanism that allows competition and avoids conflict. Before this mechanism is established, the goal of peace will be difficult to achieve."

The withdrawal agreement has brought hope for China and India to ease tensions, but there is still a long way to go to improve bilateral relations. The current agreement provides an opportunity for the two countries to resolve disputes through negotiations. However, how to make this peace agreement more stable in the future still requires the two countries to take more practical measures in various fields.

Expectations and prudence after the agreement

From the conclusion of the withdrawal agreement to future peacebuilding, India and China still face many challenges on the border issue. In the peace process, bilateral relations need to overcome deep-seated distrust and differences in interests. The conclusion of this agreement is undoubtedly an important step towards peace, but to truly achieve long-term stability, the two sides need continuous communication, transparent mechanisms and deep trust building.

The seeds of peace have been planted between the two countries. The key to the future lies in how to make this commitment truly take root and bear fruit through continuous efforts and pragmatic actions.