India and China have reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements and the resolution of the military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), four-and-a-half years after tensions escalated. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced on Monday that the disengagement process is set to move forward, affecting the 50,000 to 60,000 troops stationed on both sides of the border.
Misri stated that diplomatic and military negotiators from both nations have been in constant communication through various forums. “Agreement has been reached on patrolling arrangements along the LAC in the India-China border areas, leading to disengagement and resolution of the issues that arose in 2020. The next steps will soon be initiated,” he said.
In September, China’s Defence Ministry acknowledged progress in reducing differences, citing “some consensus” on disengaging troops from critical friction points in Eastern Ladakh. Both nations agreed to maintain dialogue and reach an acceptable solution as soon as possible. The Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs, Li Jinsong, met with Indian Ambassador to China, Pradeep Kumar Rawat, during these discussions.
Sources suggest that Indian troops may soon regain access to key patrolling points along the LAC, which were previously blocked by Chinese forces or buffer zones created during disengagement negotiations. Currently, troops remain on high alert, although efforts are being made to avoid confrontations that could disrupt trust-building efforts or delay further redeployment.
Significant progress has been observed at key friction points, including Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso, and Gogra-Hot Springs, where buffer zones have been established. However, legacy issues in Depsang Plains and Demchok persist, with Indian troops still unable to access certain patrol points in these areas. Local commanders on both sides have been holding regular meetings to prevent clashes and build confidence along the border.
