Sumdorong Chu standoff

Sumdorong Chu standoff
Date1986–1987
Location
Sumdorong Chu Valley, McMahon Line (Indo-Tibetan border)
27°46′54″N 91°46′53″E / 27.7818°N 91.7813°E / 27.7818; 91.7813
Result Standoff ended with status quo maintained
Indian prime minister invited to Beijing
Belligerents
India China
Commanders and leaders
President R. Venkataraman
Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi
General Krishnaswamy Sundarji
General Secretary Zhao Ziyang
Chairman Deng Xiaoping
Premier Li Peng
President Li Xiannian
Location within Tibet
Sumdorong Chu standoff (Arunachal Pradesh)

In 1986–87, a military standoff took place between India and China in the Sumdorong Chu Valley bordering the Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh and Cona County, Tibet. It was initiated by China moving a company of troops to Wangdung, a pasture to the south of Sumdorong Chu that India believed to be its territory. The Indian troops stood their ground on the neighbouring Longro La ridge and both the sides moved a large number of troops to the border. The crisis was diffused after the visit of Indian External Affairs minister to Beijing in May 1987. The standoff gave rise to fears of escalation. Subsequently, India and China formulated agreements for managing future border tensions.