Against the backdrop of recent efforts by India and China to foster peace along their shared border, the Indian Army has begun installing Buddha statues in eastern Ladakh. This initiative comes as tensions persist on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), with both nations acknowledging that prolonged conflict is detrimental to their interests.

Adjacent to the LAC in eastern Ladakh, where China has fortified its military presence, the Indian Army has placed Buddha statues along the Pangong-Tso Lake. According to the army, this step is aimed at promoting peace in the region, reflecting India’s commitment to ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. Meanwhile, satellite images have revealed recent developments in China’s military infrastructure near the lake.

The 14th Corps (Fire and Fury) based in Leh shared visuals of these installations on social media, highlighting Buddha statues erected in Lukung and Chushul, depicting the ‘BhumiSparsha mudra’. These efforts are part of the Vibrant Village initiative, focusing on enhancing local infrastructure and community development in eastern Ladakh’s border villages. Under this, the army, along with the local administration, is engaged in the development work of those villages of eastern Ladakh which are very close to the LAC.

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Sharing the video of Buddha’s statues and development work, the army wrote on its X account that “The world is one family to promote unity, preserve spiritual values and eternal peace in the forward areas of eastern Ladakh.”

In response to the ongoing tensions since the Galwan Valley clash, both India and China have maintained 50-50 thousand troops along with extensive military hardware. Despite some localized resolutions, disputes persist in areas such as Depsang Plains and Demchok.

It is believed that in the coming days, the army is preparing to install two more statues of Lord Buddha. One of these will be installed in Demchok, while the location of the other is yet to be decided.

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Recently, in Astana, Kazakhstan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and called for resolving the legacy dispute as well (July 4). Both the foreign ministers also agreed that prolonging the LAC dispute is not in the interest of both the countries. In such a situation, there is a dire need for both the countries to make double efforts to resolve the dispute.

However, shortly after these talks, satellite images revealed intensified Chinese military activities in the Sirijap area near Pangong Tso. This development contrasts with India’s efforts to maintain a mirrored deployment and improve infrastructure along the LAC, deterring further escalation since the Galwan incident.

Very close to the LAC, China has also built two bridges to connect the north and south ends of Pangong Lake so that the movement of troops can be done faster.

Pangong Tso between India and China is about 140 km long. Considered to be the world’s longest lake at an altitude of about 14 thousand feet, one-third of Pangong is in India and the rest (two-thirds) in China. During the 1962 war, China snatched Sirijap from India. Since then, Sirijap has been under the control of China.

At an event in New Delhi on Monday, Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, expressed optimism about bilateral relations, highlighting the importance of broader perspectives and joint leadership efforts.

“The two countries are very close neighbours. If we look from our own perspectives, we will not be able to see the full picture of the Himalayas. Only if we rise higher, we will be able to see farther.”

He expressed confidence in the future stability and mutual benefits of China-India relations under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping.

As both nations navigate complexities along the LAC, initiatives like the Buddha statues aim to foster peace and stability, reflecting India’s strategic approach amidst ongoing border challenges.