Tents and several temporary structures have been removed from both sides of the India-China border. Indian troops are pulling back to the west of the Charding Nala, while Chinese soldiers are moving eastward.
In Brief
– Patrolling is expected to resume in eastern Ladakh in 4-5 days.
– Tents and other structures are being dismantled on both sides.
– India and China have reached a landmark agreement to end the border standoff.
Following the recent agreement to resolve the standoff between the two nations’ armies in eastern Ladakh, the disengagement process has begun at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), according to sources.
One tent on each side and several temporary structures have been removed, with Indian soldiers pulling back to the west side of the Charding Nala, while Chinese troops retreat to the east side of the Nala.
Sources indicate that there are approximately 10-12 temporary structures and around 12 tents on both sides, all of which are slated for removal.
On Thursday, the Chinese army reduced the number of vehicles in the area, while the Indian army also withdrew some troops. Once this process is completed, patrolling is expected to resume in Depsang and Demchok within the next 4-5 days, according to sources.
On October 21, India announced that it had reached an agreement with China regarding patrolling along the LAC, marking a significant breakthrough in ending the military standoff that has persisted for over four years, which began after a violent confrontation between troops in Galwan Valley in May 2020.
China confirmed the agreement the following day, stating that a resolution has been reached on “relevant matters” and that it would collaborate with New Delhi to implement these resolutions. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that his country is committed to working with India to carry out these agreements moving forward.
As border disengagement is anticipated to enhance the strained relations between the two Asian giants, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping endorsed the agreement during their meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan. This meeting prompted both sides to revive various bilateral dialogue mechanisms, signaling efforts to normalize relations.
During their first meeting in five years, PM Modi emphasized the importance of not allowing differences over boundary issues to disrupt peace and stability along the border. Xi Jinping also agreed “in principle” to PM Modi’s suggestions for improving bilateral relations.
