New Delhi:The process of troop withdrawal from the strategically sensitive Depsang and Demchok areas in eastern Ladakh is nearly complete, according to defense sources. Both Indian and Chinese forces are conducting verification checks on each other’s movements as they vacate designated areas and dismantle temporary infrastructure. The withdrawal process in Depsang and Demchok is expected to conclude by Tuesday, with plans for both sides to resume patrols in regions that had been inaccessible since the standoff began in April 2020.
Agreement on LAC Patrol Resumption
On October 21, 2024, India announced an agreement with China to resolve the prolonged military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, a dispute that had lasted over four years. Following the announcement, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of the pullback, acknowledging that rebuilding trust between the two nations would take time. He described the troop withdrawal as the initial step, with de-escalation efforts planned to follow.
Daily Commander-Level Meetings to Ensure Coordination
In efforts to prevent miscommunication and maintain clarity on both sides, ground commanders from India and China will hold daily meetings throughout the withdrawal process, scheduled to be completed by October 29. Sources stated that both sides have identified patrol strengths and established communication protocols to prevent potential misunderstandings as patrols resume. Temporary structures like tents and shelters will be removed, and both nations will keep watch over the disengagement areas to ensure compliance.
Patrol points in Depsang and Demchok will revert to pre-2020 standoff locations, where both forces traditionally conducted patrols. This gradual resumption of activity is seen as a step towards easing tensions along the LAC, signaling potential improvements in India-China diplomatic relations after years of militar
y friction.