The disengagement process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has begun, with Indian and Chinese troops starting to dismantle the temporary posts and structures established following the May 2020 military standoff in eastern Ladakh. Military sources indicate that while this process is underway, the complete withdrawal of troops from the remaining friction points at Depsang and Demchok will take time, and coordinated patrolling cannot begin immediately.
The dismantling efforts follow the recent agreement between India and China aimed at resolving the nearly four-year standoff. However, military officials caution that removing tents and temporary barriers does not necessarily signal a complete troop withdrawal. According to sources, patrolling will resume only once all obstacles have been cleared from the area.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the progress made between India and China regarding patrolling and grazing rights in traditional areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) during the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2024 in New Delhi on Thursday. Singh emphasized that both nations had reached a broad consensus, achieved through sustained diplomatic and military-level discussions. He referred to the agreement as a “significant development,” underscoring the critical role of defence dialogue in resolving conflicts on the global stage.
Singh stated, “Following the talks, a broad consensus has been reached to restore the ground situation based on the principles of equal and mutual security. This includes the resumption of patrolling and grazing rights in traditional areas. It is a testament to the power of continuous dialogue, as persistent efforts eventually lead to solutions.”
The agreement marks a positive step forward in de-escalating tensions, reaffirming the value of strategic communication in addressing territorial disputes.
Under the new agreement, India and China are expected to pull back to their previous positions and restore traditional patrolling patterns with enhanced coordination. While this development is a promising step toward easing tensions, it is only the beginning of a broader and more complex process to fully normalize relations along the disputed border.
The agreement lays the groundwork for improved border management but sustained diplomatic and military efforts will be essential to address deeper issues and ensure long-term stability in the region.
Team BharatShakti
