India and China Complete Disengagement in Eastern Ladakh

India and China have successfully completed their disengagement exercise at the Depsang and Demchok friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Troops from both nations are now verifying the withdrawal of positions and the removal of infrastructure.

As reported by Hindustan Times, sources from the Indian Army informed that coordinated patrolling by both sides is set to commence soon, and ground commanders will continue discussions to ensure smooth operations. In a gesture of goodwill, both sides will exchange sweets to celebrate Diwali tomorrow.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced on October 21 that New Delhi and Beijing had reached an agreement to disengage at the remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh. Following this agreement, troop disengagement began on October 23 at the Depsang and Demchok plains.

Relations between India and China have soured significantly since Chinese troops displayed aggression along the LAC in April 2020. The situation escalated dramatically on June 15, 2020, when 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives while defending against a Chinese offensive in the Galwan Valley.

As part of the disengagement process, both the Indian Army and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) have withdrawn their forward-deployed troops and equipment from the two flashpoints. They have also dismantled temporary structures that were established during the four-year-long standoff.

Indian soldiers are set to resume patrolling in areas that had been restricted due to the PLA's presence. However, it is important to note that the disengagement at Depsang and Demchok will not result in the creation of buffer zones, unlike previous disengagements in the Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso, Gogra (PP-17A), and Hot Springs (PP-15), which included such zones.