New Delhi: India and China have concluded disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at Depsang and Demchok, paving the way for coordinated patrolling in these sensitive areas, according to Indian Army sources cited by new agency ANI. This marks a significant step toward easing tensions between the two nations, whose relations have been strained since 2020.
The disengagement process began earlier this week in eastern Ladakh, where both countries have maintained a military standoff for four years. Ground commanders are expected to continue holding regular discussions to ensure ongoing stability. In a sign of goodwill, the two countries will reportedly exchange sweets tomorrow to commemorate this milestone.
The recent agreement allows for mutual monitoring along the disputed border areas, fostering opportunities for enhanced political and commercial engagement. Tensions between India and China escalated following the deadly June 2020 clash in the Galwan Valley, marking the most severe conflict between the two neighbors in decades.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed that both nations’ frontier troops are conducting “relevant work” following a border agreement, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian describing the progress as “smooth” during a recent press briefing.
“In accordance with the recent resolutions on border issues, the Chinese and Indian frontier troops are engaged in relevant work, progressing smoothly at present,” said Lin Jian.
According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the agreement came after several weeks of negotiations aimed at resolving the 2020 border issues. On October 23, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping endorsed the patrolling and disengagement agreement during their bilateral meeting at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia.
