Disengagement Underway
The disengagement of Indian and Chinese troops has commenced at two key friction points: Demchok and Depsang Plains in Eastern Ladakh. According to defense officials, Indian troops are pulling back equipment to rear locations, following agreements made between the two nations.
Agreement on Patrolling Arrangements
On October 21, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that an agreement regarding patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) had been reached. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, during a briefing about Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Russia, stated, “This agreement is the outcome of extensive discussions over the past several weeks with Chinese interlocutors at both diplomatic and military levels.”
Addressing Tensions
Misri emphasized that military commanders have been involved in negotiations to address the ongoing tensions that have persisted since 2020. He noted that the agreement signifies a path toward disengagement and aims to resolve issues stemming from significant confrontations in 2020.
Historical Context
Recalling the clashes between the Indian Army and China’s People’s Liberation Army, Misri highlighted the violent encounters of June 2020, which resulted in casualties for both sides. He explained that this agreement represents a vital step toward stabilizing relations as both nations manage their border disputes and seek to prevent future military confrontations.
Ongoing Negotiations
Misri elaborated, stating, “On several areas along the Line of Actual Control, we held discussions with Chinese interlocutors both at the diplomatic as well as military levels. These discussions had previously led to the resolution of standoffs at various locations, although some areas remained unresolved.”
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He confirmed that discussions over the past several weeks have led to the current agreement, which facilitates disengagement and aims for a resolution of the issues that arose in 2020.
Significance of the Agreement
This agreement is a crucial step in stabilizing relations between India and China as both countries strive to manage their border disputes and avoid further military confrontations, particularly after the tensions that flared during clashes in early May 2020 and the severe face-off in the Galwan Valley on June 15, 2020.