The Indian Army has resumed patrolling in the Demchok sector of Eastern Ladakh, with plans to soon extend operations to the Depsang Plains. This comes nearly four and a half years after Chinese forces blocked access to these areas. The move, reported by ANI through army sources, highlights a significant development along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as both nations continue efforts toward de-escalation in the region.
Diwali Gesture: Troop Exchange Along the LAC
The decision to reinitiate patrols follows a symbolic exchange of sweets between Indian and Chinese troops at multiple LAC border posts during the Diwali festivities. This annual exchange, typically a gesture of goodwill, took on new significance as it occurred amidst a phase of renewed cooperation following years of heightened tension along the shared border.
Successful Disengagement and Verification Process Completed
Earlier this week, Indian and Chinese forces completed a staged disengagement and verification process in the contested regions of the Depsang Plains and the Charding Ninglung Nallah track junction near Demchok. This multi-phase process was carried out on the ground and verified through aerial surveillance, utilizing drones and satellite technology. Both sides have now removed military presence from these confrontation sites, marking an important step toward peace.
According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, a diplomatic agreement was reached between India and China after several weeks of negotiations. On October 21, Misri announced in New Delhi that the finalized agreement aims to resolve key issues that surfaced in 2020. The agreement emphasizes troop disengagement and re-establishing patrolling rights along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh, signaling a breakthrough in the lengthy standoff that has significantly strained Indo-China relations.
Heavy Military Presence Remains Along the LAC
Despite the recent diplomatic progress, both armies continue to maintain a strong military presence along the LAC. An estimated 50,000 troops from each side are forward deployed in Eastern Ladakh, equipped with tanks, howitzers, and surface-to-air missile systems. Additionally, over 90,000 Chinese PLA soldiers are positioned across Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, with the Indian Army maintaining “mirror deployments” to match China’s presence.
This latest agreement marks a promising development for India-China relations, potentially setting the stage for further de-escalation measures. However, the continued forward deployment of troops on both sides of the LAC underscores that the underlying tensions remain unresolved, with both countries preparing for any contingency along their 3,488-km shared border.
