Days after finalising a significant patrolling pact along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India and China are expected to complete military disengagement in specific areas along the LAC by October 28-29, according to a report from ANI citing defense sources.
Following the completion of this disengagement, patrolling activities will resume once both nations have pulled back their troops to pre-2020 positions and dismantled temporary structures, as reported by PTI.
This development comes after an agreement was reached aimed at alleviating tensions that have persisted since a violent clash in 2020, which resulted in casualties on both sides.
As per the media reports, the Army has said that “the latest agreements will apply only to Depsang and Demchok, excluding other friction zones,” with troops returning to their positions held before April 2020.
Regular meetings between ground commanders will continue to facilitate coordination. Each side has identified specific troop strengths for patrols and will inform one another of patrol schedules to prevent miscommunication.
All temporary infrastructure, including tents, will be removed, and both sides will maintain surveillance over the area. The patrol points in Depsang and Demchok will revert to those traditionally patrolled prior to April 2020.
Sources emphasised that there was “no quid pro quo” in the discussions with China.
The agreements specifically pertain to Depsang and Demchok in Eastern Ladakh, with both armies set to begin patrolling their designated points by the end of the month.
What the pact entails
- Restoration of Patrols: Both Indian and Chinese troops will resume patrolling in areas where it was previously conducted before May 2020. This includes specific points in Depsang and Demchok, which are strategically significant for both countries.
- Coordination protocols: The two nations have agreed to coordinate their patrols to avoid confrontations. They will share schedules for patrols and maintain a presence of around 14-15 personnel per patrol team to minimise the risk of clashes.
- Disengagement process: Troops have already begun disengaging from two critical friction points, with Indian soldiers pulling back equipment and dismantling temporary structures erected since 2020. The process is intended to be methodical and verified by local commanders.
The agreement marks a significant step towards normalising relations between India and China, which have been strained due to aggressive military posturing from both sides since 2020.
External affairs minister S. Jaishankar emphasised that the situation along the LAC has returned to pre-2020 conditions, suggesting a potential thaw in relations if both sides adhere to the terms of the agreement.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh noted that this advancement underscores the effectiveness of continuous dialogue between the two nations.
(With inputs from agencies)