India and China have significantly increased their efforts to enhance their border infrastructure, particularly through the construction of strategic roads. This development comes three years after the violent clashes between the two countries in Galwan, which have led to a lingering dispute in the border region of eastern Ladakh and western Tibet. Both nations are engaged in extensive infrastructure projects that have permanently changed the status quo in the area.
On the Indian side, the construction of a black-topped road on the north bank of Pangong Tso Lake is currently in progress and is expected to be completed by 2025. This road, extending towards Finger 4, aims to improve connectivity and strengthen India’s infrastructure capabilities in the region. Additionally, notable advancements have been made in constructing an alternate axis to the crucial Darbuk-Skyok-Daulat Beg Oldie road through the Saser La pass, which enhances accessibility and all-weather connectivity.
Meanwhile, China is racing to complete a bridge across Pangong Tso that will connect the north and south banks. The primary bridge is currently under construction, while the second bridge has already been finished. Large-scale construction activities and the presence of construction materials indicate the scale of China’s infrastructure development efforts. China is also working on road connectivity along the south bank, particularly towards Shandong village, and constructing a 22 km-long tunnel on the G-0177 expressway at Yuli, which connects to the vital G-216 highway in Tibet.
The Pangong Tso Lake, spanning 135 km and shaped like a boomerang, has been a focal point of the dispute between India and China. India holds one-third of the lake, reaching up to Finger 4, while its claims extend to Finger 8. The north bank, where there are significant differences in the perception of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), witnessed initial clashes in May 2020, followed by heightened tensions in the Kailash ranges later that year. The Indian Army maintains a permanent position near Finger 3, while the Chinese have established a base east of Finger 8.
Despite ongoing Corps Commander-level talks, more than one lakh troops from both sides continue to be deployed around the lake since 2020. However, progress in the talks remains gridlocked, primarily due to two remaining friction points at Depsang and Demchok. Chinese forces have obstructed Indian patrols in these areas, although there have been some indications of concessions from the Chinese side during negotiations. Tensions have risen in Demchok with the presence of Chinese tents on the Indian side of Charding Nala, highlighting the need for resolution and the conflicting claims.
To strengthen their border infrastructure, both India and China have significantly increased their focus on the construction of strategic roads. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in India has experienced a substantial increase in budgetary allocation, with a 43% rise in the capital budget for 2023-24 compared to the previous year. A significant portion of these funds has been allocated to the India-China Border Roads (ICBR) plan.
