India-China troop disengagement in Ladakh: After a prolonged four-year standoff, the Indian and Chinese armies have started to withdraw their troops from the disputed areas of Depsang Plains and Demchok along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh, Northern Army Commander Lt General M.V. Suchindra Kumar confirmed.Disengagement after years of tensionAccording to Army sources, troops from both Indias Army and Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), including any accompanying border guards, are scheduled to retreat from forward positions in these two sectors by October 28-29. Referring to statements by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on ongoing diplomatic and military negotiations between India and China, Lt General Kumar noted, “As a result of these discussions, an agreement has been reached regarding patrolling arrangements along the LAC in the India-China border areas, leading to disengagement and resolution of issues that began in 2020.”Focused withdrawal in Demchok and Depsang plainsWhile further details remain undisclosed, sources explained that the disengagement began in Demchok and Depsang Plains, two areas central to tensions since 2020. Under the latest agreements, both sides will return to their pre-April 2020 positions and resume patrols up to former patrolling points (PPs), including PP 10 to PP 13 in the Depsang Plains and the Charding Nullah area in Demchok. Both nations have mutually determined patrol troop numbers to maintain communication and avoid clashes.“The agreements are limited to Depsang and Demchok, leaving other friction points unaffected. Patrol movements will be coordinated to prevent any face-offs,” Army sources added.Dismantling temporary structuresAs part of the pullback, temporary structures like prefabricated sheds and tents housing troops, vehicles, and equipment are being dismantled. Confidence-building efforts will continue, aiming to de-escalate face-to-face confrontations in the immediate vicinity. Sources also confirmed no immediate plans to reduce the troop levels initially sent to Ladakh at the height of the tensions.Verification and future measuresOnce disengagement is complete, both sides will verify positions to ensure adherence to the agreement before implementing the terms of the patrolling arrangements on the ground. According to a security establishment officer, Each side will verify the others position according to the agreement, following which agreed terms of patrolling will be put into action.Eastern theatre agreementsThe agreement also includes provisions for future cooperation in eastern sectors, including sensitive areas in Arunachal Pradesh, with further discussions planned for additional sectors. Standard patrols of 13 to 18 soldiers, with 14-15 troops per patrol to prevent altercations, have been established. Patrol schedules will be shared in advance to avoid clashes, sources said.The disengagement at Depsang Plains and Charding Nullah is particularly significant, as China had previously resisted discussions on these areas, although disengagement had occurred at other sites. The Depsang Plains hold strategic value due to their proximity to the Daulat Beg Oldie post near the Karakoram Pass and their terrain, which could be utilized for military offenses, similar to the Chushul sub-sectors Spanggur Gap.
