The United States has expressed approval over the easing of tensions along the India-China border, following the recent disengagement of troops from both countries along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the US state department, said that the situation is being closely monitored and confirmed discussions with India on the issue. “We are closely following the developments and we understand that both countries have taken initial steps to withdraw troops from the friction points along the LAC. We welcome any reduction in tensions along the border,” Miller said during a press briefing.
“We have talked to our Indian partners and taken a brief on it, but we did not play any role in this resolution,” he added.
The disengagement process in the Depsang and Demchok areas of eastern Ladakh is under way. The conflict along the LAC dates back to April 2020 when hostilities began, leading to strained relations between the two nations. Both sides have been working to return to the pre-2020 status quo.
Recently, the Chinese foreign ministry confirmed that troops from both countries were progressing with the agreed-upon disengagement work. Chinese spokesperson Lin Jian noted that the process is moving “smoothly.”
On October 21, India announced a new agreement with China regarding patrolling along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, marking the end of the prolonged military standoff since 2020. This announcement followed a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Brics Summit in Russia, where they welcomed the new patrolling arrangements.