LAGATAR24 DESK
New Delhi: Indian and Chinese troops are nearing the completion of disengagement in the Depsang and Demchok areas of eastern Ladakh, with defence sources confirming that both sides have “almost completed” the process. Both nations are now cross-verifying the removal of military personnel and infrastructure, in line with the scheduled deadline of October 29.
The disengagement follows a recent patrolling agreement aimed at easing military and diplomatic tensions, which began after violent clashes in the Galwan and Pangong Lake regions in May-June 2020. The agreement requires troops to revert to their pre-April 2020 positions, but both countries retain surveillance options in Depsang and Demchok, agreeing to notify each other of patrol movements to prevent miscommunication.
“This [rebuilding of trust] will happen once we can see and reassure each other that we are not entering the buffer zones,” Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi stated, highlighting ongoing efforts to restore trust with China. Defence sources confirmed that regular meetings between on-ground commanders would continue.
Satellite Images of Disengagement in Progress
Recent satellite images, accessed by NDTV, documented the withdrawal process, showing the dismantling of Indian military tents and the removal of Chinese structures in the Demchok area by October 25. In the strategic Depsang plains, the images indicated the movement of vehicles and reduction of infrastructure at the ‘Y’ Junction.
Following disengagement, de-escalation is expected, although External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar refrained from setting a timeline, emphasizing the importance of verifying China’s adherence to the agreement. The need for further de-escalation remains in sensitive areas, such as the Gogra-Hot Springs region in Ladakh.
The patrolling agreement’s announcement comes just before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia for the BRICS summit, where he is expected to hold a bilateral discussion with China’s Xi Jinping. “It should be our priority to ensure peace and stability along our border,” Mr. Modi stated, emphasizing “mutual trust and respect.”
