Breakthrough in Ladakh: India and China Troop Disengagement Commences

India and China have initiated troop disengagement in Demchok and Depsang Plains in eastern Ladakh. This follows a key agreement on patrolling along the LAC, ending a four-year standoff post-Galwan clash. The resolution was endorsed by both countries' leaders during the BRICS Summit in Russia.

India and China have initiated a significant troop disengagement at Demchok and Depsang Plains in eastern Ladakh, marking a critical advance in diplomatic relations between the two countries. This development follows a crucial agreement concerning patrolling and troop withdrawal along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The agreement, finalized after several weeks of negotiations, aims to resolve tensions stemming from the 2020 Galwan Valley skirmish, which was the most severe military conflict between India and China in recent decades. Official sources confirm that Indian forces have started withdrawing equipment to rear locations in the affected areas as part of the disengagement process.

This diplomatic milestone was solidified during a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. The Foreign Secretary highlighted that normalizing bilateral relations requires peace and tranquility on the contested border, an outlook shared by both leaders in their latest dialogue.

(With inputs from agencies.)