Though India and China's recent efforts to ease bilateral tensions will likely reduce the risk of border clashes in the coming months, long-standing mistrust and the two countries' ongoing strategic competition will likely limit the speed and scope of reconciliation. Media reports on Oct. 31 indicated Indian and Chinese troops had resumed patrolling operations along their disputed border, a day after unnamed Indian defense officials said the two countries had completed withdrawing their troops, vehicles and temporary structures from Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh. The developments come more than a week after India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Oct. 21 announced the two sides had reached an agreement on patrolling the boundary. The deal marks a breakthrough given China's long-standing reluctance to even consider concessions in Depsang and Demchok, the last two areas of the border where Indian and Chinese troops stood face-to-face. Misri also suggested that reduced tensions...
