BIG BREAKING, India, China troop disengagement begins at two friction points, in Eastern Ladakh
India and China have commenced troop disengagement at two key friction points, Demchok and Depsang Plains, in Eastern Ladakh. This move follows a recent agreement aimed at resolving the military standoff that persisted along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) since 2020. Indian troops are pulling back equipment to rear locations in these areas, marking a significant step toward de-escalation. According to Defence officials, both Indian and Chinese sides have started dismantling temporary structures, and troops from each side are retreating to their respective positions along the Nala.
On October 21, India confirmed the agreement with China on patrolling protocols along the LAC. This breakthrough was achieved after weeks of diplomatic and military negotiations, as confirmed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also indicated that Indian and Chinese troops would resume pre-2020 patrolling routines, restoring previous practices and addressing long-standing security concerns.
This agreement signals a pivotal shift after the intense 2020 Galwan Valley conflict, one of the most serious India-China military confrontations in recent history. Following years of talks, both nations have successfully disengaged from multiple points of friction. The process has already reduced Chinese vehicle presence in the area, while Indian troops are expected to resume regular patrolling in the Depsang and Demchok areas within days.
The recent developments offer hope for restoring normalcy along the LAC and pave the way for future diplomatic engagements, including a potential meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the upcoming BRICS Summit.