The Indian Army successfully conducted a patrol on Monday at one of the designated patrolling points in the Depsang area of eastern Ladakh. This follows the recent disengagement of Indian and Chinese troops from Depsang and Demchok, two long-standing friction points in the region.
Patrolling in Demchok resumed on Friday, shortly after the disengagement process was completed, with the Indian Army conducting verification patrols to ensure compliance with the agreement reached between the two countries. “Following the consensus reached between the Indian and Chinese sides for disengagement and resumption of patrolling in Depsang and Demchok, the Indian Army patrol to one of the patrolling points in Depsang was successfully conducted today. This is yet another positive step towards maintaining peace and tranquility on the LAC,” posted the Leh-based Fire and Fury Corps on X.
While it was not specified which patrolling point was reached, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that verification patrols have begun in both Demchok and Depsang on mutually agreed terms.
In a further sign of easing tensions, Indian and Chinese troops exchanged sweets at various border points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) last week during Diwali.
Sources had previously indicated that the areas and patrolling status would be restored to their pre-April 2020 conditions. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in a statement on October 21, noted that the recent agreement was a culmination of weeks of negotiations and aimed at resolving the issues that had persisted since 2020. This breakthrough agreement on patrolling and disengagement represents a significant step toward de-escalating the standoff along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, which has strained ties since the deadly clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020.
(With inputs from agencies)
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