India-China Ladakh stand-off: Patrolling resumes in Demchok; Depsang next

The Indian and Chinese armies have resumed patrolling at two friction points in Demchok and Depsang Plains in eastern Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The patrolling commenced after the disengagement process was completed between the two nations on Thursday.

The move marked a significant step towards reducing tensions in the region after Beijing and New Delhi agreed to end the military standoff. The tensions between the two armies began following the deadly Galwan clashes in 2020. According to The Indian Express, a source from the Indian Army has confirmed that  “coordinated patrolling” began in the Demchok area on Friday. The source also assured that patroling will commence in the Depsang plains soon.

It is pertinent to note that the disengagement came in line with the agreement between India and China which was announced on October 21. The agreement came two days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Russia. Both nations are now involved in finding ways to repair bilateral ties with each other.

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The patrolling in Demchok resumed a day after the two armies exchanged sweets at the border points of LAC to celebrate Diwali. In the past, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) had cut off Indian access to patrolling points (PPs) 10 to 13 in the Depsang Plains. In keeping the agreement in mind, talks are being held between local commanders — Brigadier rank and below.

The source stated that verification of the disengagement is currently underway, with both sides ensuring the removal of temporary structures and troop withdrawals. While commenting on the development along the border, the Chinese military on Thursday said that both countries are “making progress” in implementing the agreement to disengage.

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“China and India have reached resolutions on the issues concerning the border areas through diplomatic and military channels,” spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence Zhang Xiaogang said in his first comment on the matter. “The frontline troops of the two militaries are making progress in implementing resolutions in an orderly manner,” he added.

Meanwhile, discussions on other buffer zones, including Galwan, have not yet taken place. The matter is likely to be discussed in the coming days through commander-level talks between the two armies.

With inputs from agencies.