Days after India and China reached a significant agreement to resolve the long-standing military standoff in eastern Ladakh, the process of disengagement has officially begun at two key friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), according to reliable sources. Both Indian and Chinese troops have started dismantling temporary structures and retreating from their forward positions in areas like Demchok and Depsang.
Sources indicate that five tents on each side in the Demchok area and half of the temporary structures in Depsang have already been removed. Indian soldiers have begun retreating to the west of the Charding Nala, while Chinese forces are pulling back to the east side. Around 10 to 12 temporary structures and approximately 12 tents on both sides are slated for removal. Following the complete dismantling of all structures, joint verification will be conducted on the ground and through aerial surveys to ensure full compliance with the disengagement process.
Both armies have also reduced their presence in terms of vehicles and troops in these contested regions. This process of withdrawal is being meticulously coordinated through daily communication. Each morning, local military commanders from both nations engage in hotline conversations to discuss the planned actions for the day. In addition, they meet at designated points once or twice daily to monitor the progress and ensure the disengagement proceeds smoothly.
The disengagement is expected to lead to the resumption of patrolling in Depsang and Demchok within the next 4-5 days, once all structures are dismantled and ground conditions stabilize. However, discussions on other buffer zones, including the highly sensitive Galwan area, have not yet commenced.
This development follows the breakthrough agreement announced on October 21, when India confirmed reaching an understanding with China on patrolling along the LAC, marking a major step towards resolving the four-year-long standoff. The standoff began in May 2020 following a violent clash between troops in the Galwan Valley, which resulted in casualties on both sides.
China also acknowledged the agreement the day after India’s announcement. Beijing confirmed that a resolution had been reached on “relevant matters” and expressed a commitment to working with New Delhi to implement the disengagement measures. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that China would collaborate with India to maintain the progress made in the negotiations.
The agreement has been endorsed by both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan. This marked their first meeting in five years, during which both leaders underscored the importance of maintaining peace along the border and reviving bilateral dialogue mechanisms to normalize relations between the two Asian powers.
