According to several media reports citing Army sources on Wednesday, India and China have withdrawn their troops from two standoff points at Demchok and Depsang in eastern Ladakh, following a recent patrolling agreement aimed at reducing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
India and China will undertake coordinated patrolling in Depsang and Demchok in Eastern Ladakh to avoid face-offs as patrols are set to resume by month-end. File photo for representation. | Photo Credit: The Hindu
Reports indicate that forces from both nations have returned to their pre-April 2020 positions after dismantling temporary posts, sheds, tents, and other structures set up in these areas.
In the coming days, both sides will confirm the mutual troop withdrawal before resuming coordinated patrolling, sources told news agencies.
India, China pull back troops to pre-2020 positions as part of LAC pact, coordinated patrolling to resume soon | TOI
Diwali gifts
According to sources, ground commanders are set to continue discussions, and a Diwali exchange of sweets is scheduled for Thursday.
The Indian Army intends to resume patrols in Depsang and Demchok by the end of the month, with prior notification given to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to prevent any potential confrontations. Likewise, the PLA will notify India before conducting its patrols as part of the "patrolling arrangements" for Depsang-Demchok, which India first announced on October 21 following extensive diplomatic and military talks.
Reports indicate that negotiations are ongoing to reduce tensions in other high-conflict areas, including Yangtse, Asaphila, and the Subansiri river valley in Arunachal Pradesh.
On October 21, India announced an agreement with China regarding patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, resolving a military standoff that had persisted for over four years following a clash in Galwan Valley.
Following the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Russia, where both leaders expressed support for the agreement.
India, China pull back troops to pre-2020 positions as part of LAC pact, coordinated patrolling to resume soon | TOI
Information about the disengagement process
The disengagement process commenced around October 24, with troops from both sides beginning to withdraw from critical friction points. Reports suggest that approximately 10-12 temporary structures and tents set up during previous standoffs have been taken down.
Sources inform that the Indian Army is repositioning west of Charding Nala, while Chinese troops are advancing eastward.
The main areas affected by this agreement include:
Depsang Plains: Indian forces will regain access to patrolling points (PP) 10 to 13, which have been off-limits since early 2020.
Demchok: Access will similarly be restored here, enabling traditional grazing practices alongside military patrols.
Galwan Valley and Pangong Tso: Patrolling will also recommence in these regions, although specific timelines for these operations remain uncertain due to seasonal weather conditions.
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