Ladakh News: In a significant step toward de-escalating tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Indian forces began conducting verification patrols in the Demchok and Depsang regions of eastern Ladakh. The patrolling follows a comprehensive disengagement agreement reached with China on October 21, marking the culmination of intense military and diplomatic talks aimed at resolving a nearly five-year standoff.October 21 agreement signals start of final disengagement phaseAccording to Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, “On October 21, 2024, the last phase of disengagement was agreed upon between India and China.” This agreement is a significant milestone, setting in motion a process to withdraw forces from key friction points along the LAC. As part of this accord, Indian troops initiated verification patrols to ensure that both sides forces and equipment had retreated to a mutually agreed safe distance, easing the tension at Demchok and Depsang.The verification patrols are aimed at ensuring that temporary structures set up during the standoff have been dismantled, allowing Indian forces to resume access to patrolling points that had been blocked by the Chinese military in recent years. This progress is seen as a critical step toward stabilizing the border situation and restoring relations between the two nations.Modi and Xis Historic meeting in Kazan paves the way for renewed diplomatic effortsThe disengagement accord came just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping held a historic meeting in Kazan, Russia. Their discussions focused on reinforcing various dialogue mechanisms to stabilize relations and work towards a long-term solution to the boundary question. Jaiswal confirmed that both leaders agreed to activate dialogue at various levels, involving foreign ministers and other key officials, to “stabilize and rebuild bilateral relations.”Future meetings planned to address border peaceThe Kazan meeting has set the stage for ongoing dialogue between Indias National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two Special Representatives are expected to meet soon to maintain peace along the LAC and explore a “fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable solution” to the border dispute. This renewed diplomatic commitment follows a period of heightened tension, which saw bilateral relations drop to their lowest point since the 1962 border conflict.Jaiswal added, “We will let you know when these mechanisms meet to deal with issues of each others interest and concern.” While no dates have been announced, both sides appear committed to maintaining communication and stabilizing the border. This disengagement is a promising development in easing longstanding friction at the LAC. Following a violent clash in Galwan Valley in 2020 that claimed 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops, this disengagement marks a hopeful chapter toward normalizing relations and achieving lasting peace along the border.
