China announces troop disengagement from four Ladakh areas following EAM Jaishankar's ‘75%’ update

On Friday, China announced that its troops have disengaged from four key areas in eastern Ladakh, including the Galwan Valley, signaling progress in the ongoing military standoff with India. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, stated that the border situation between the two nations is now "generally stable and under control."

During a recent meeting in Russia, India and China agreed to work together to create favorable conditions for improving their strained bilateral relations. The meeting took place on September 12 between China's Director Wang Yi and India’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval in St. Petersburg. Mao Ning emphasized that both sides discussed the progress made in recent consultations and committed to enhancing mutual trust and understanding.

"They agreed to deliver on the common understandings reached by their leaders, maintain communication, and create conditions for improving bilateral ties," Mao said.

Disengagement realized in key border areas

When questioned about a potential breakthrough in reviving bilateral relations, Mao noted that Indian and Chinese military forces have disengaged in four areas, including the Galwan Valley. "In recent years, the front-line armies of both countries have achieved disengagement in four areas along the Western sector of the China-India border. The border situation is generally stable and under control," she added.

Ongoing talks to resolve the standoff

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, while speaking at a think-tank in Geneva, noted that roughly 75% of the disengagement issues with China have been resolved. He pointed out, however, that the increasing militarization along the frontier remains a significant challenge. The violent clashes in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 have had a lasting impact on the India-China relationship.

Doval and Wang Yi's meeting in St. Petersburg

Ajit Doval and Wang Yi, who serve as the Special Representatives for border talks, reviewed recent efforts to resolve the remaining issues during their meeting on the sidelines of a BRICS national security advisors conclave. The two sides agreed to redouble their efforts and work with urgency to complete disengagement in the remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh.