
Ladakh: In a significant development toward de-escalating tensions, Indian and Chinese troops have initiated a disengagement process from the friction points at Depsang Plains and Demchok along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh. This step follows four years of standoff between the two countries, with the disengagement expected to be completed by October 28-29.
Northern Army Commander Lt General M.V. Suchindra Kumar, referencing Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s remarks, stated that recent diplomatic and military negotiations have yielded an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the LAC. “As a result of these discussions, both sides have agreed on a patrolling arrangement along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border areas, leading to disengagement and resolution of the issues that arose in these areas in 2020,” Lt Gen Kumar said.
The disengagement efforts began two days ago in the key areas of Demchok and Depsang Plains, which have been at the center of tensions since 2020. According to Army sources, Indian and Chinese troops, including border guards, will pull back to their previous positions as of April 2020, with patrolling arrangements in place to ensure no face-off incidents occur.
“Agreements will only apply to Depsang and Demchok sectors, and both sides will return to positions and patrolling routes they used prior to April 2020,” noted Army sources. Regular ground meetings between Indian and Chinese commanders in Ladakh will continue, ensuring transparent communication to prevent future conflicts.
Temporary structures, including prefabricated sheds and tents used for housing personnel and equipment, are currently being dismantled, while both sides will retain significant troop deployments in the Ladakh region as a confidence-building measure. Upon completing the pullback, both nations will verify each other’s new positions to ensure compliance with the terms of the agreement, confirmed a security official.
The agreement allows Indian troops to resume patrols up to points (PP) 10 to 13 in the Depsang Plains and Charding Nullah in Demchok. Additionally, sources indicate that mutual agreements may soon extend to the eastern sector, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh’s sensitive areas.
This milestone disengagement is notable as it addresses points previously excluded from negotiations, like the Depsang Plains, where the Chinese had restricted Indian access. Discussions on remaining friction points, including Galwan, Hot Springs, and Pangong Tso, continue as part of ongoing efforts to normalize relations along the LAC.