India, China begin troop disengagement in eastern Ladakh

After Modi-Xi meet, India, China begin disengagement

In a significant development following the recent truce between India and China, troops from both nations have commenced disengagement at two key friction points in the Eastern Ladakh sector. This process is taking place at Demchok and the Depsang Plains, just days after a historic agreement was signed to address long-standing border tensions.

Five tents on each side in the Demchok area and half of the temporary structures in Depsang have been dismantled. Indian soldiers are moving back to the west side of the Charding Nala, while Chinese soldiers retreat to the east side, sources said.

There are about 10 to 12 temporary structures and around 12 tents on both sides, all of which are set to be removed. Once all tents and temporary structures have been fully removed, a joint verification process will begin, both on the ground and through aerial surveys.

Discussions on the four buffer zones, including Galwan, have not yet taken place.

The Chinese army reduced the number of their vehicles in the area, and the Indian army also withdrew some troops in the area, sources added.

The disengagement operations are being coordinated through communication. Each morning, local military commanders from both nations hold a hotline call to discuss the planned actions for the day, and they also meet at designated points once or twice daily, according to sources.

The military standoff, which originated in 2020, has seen a series of negotiations culminating in this crucial agreement aimed at de-escalation. As part of the disengagement process, Indian forces have begun systematically withdrawing equipment to designated rear locations. Reports indicate that one tent on each side has already been dismantled, with Chinese troops initiating their pullback to the eastern side of the Nala.

On October 21, Indian officials announced the breakthrough agreement concerning patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), marking a turning point in the military conflict that has persisted for over four years. During an event in New Delhi on October 24, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the consensus reached by both nations, underscoring a commitment to restoring stability through principles of mutual and equal security.

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