Indian, Chinese forces complete disengagement at two points along LAC, patrolling to resume soon

The Indian and Chinese forces on Wednesday (Oct 30) completed the disengagement process at the two friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC): Depsang and Demchok.

Patrolling will soon resume at these points following local commander-level talks between the two sides.

As India celebrates Diwali, the Indian troops are also expected to share sweets with their Chinese counterparts tomorrow (Oct 31).

The two nations had initiated the disengagement process at Depsang and Demchok earlier this week. A meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese leader Xi Jinping further paved the way for reconciliation. 

Also read: Indian Army Chief warns against China’s tactics along LAC, says, ‘situation stable, but not normal’

The military standoff between the two giants that started four years ago with bloody clashes in Ladakh's Galwan valley ended last week as both nations agreed to monitor the border, opening the door for better political and commercial relations.

Last Friday (Oct 25), the Chinese foreign ministry also confirmed that the disengagement process between the two sides had begun. 

This work is progressing "smoothly", said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian during a press briefing.

Also read: ‘We have a problem, but there’s no role for third party’: India’s EAM Jaishankar on border dispute with China

"In accordance with the recent resolutions on border issues, the Chinese and Indian frontier troops are engaged in relevant work, progressing smoothly at present," the spokesperson added.

India believes India's bilateral ties with China will normalise only after the situation at the de-facto border returns to what it was before May 2020.

Last week, while meeting with China's Xi, PM Modi said maintaining peace at the border should remain “our priority”.

"This is our first formal meeting after five years. Excellency, we welcome the agreements that we have reached over the border. Maintaining peace and tranquility over the border should remain our priority, and mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual sensitivity should remain the basis of our relationship. I am confident that we will hold talks with an open heart and our discussions would be constructive," PM Modi said at the meeting.

(With inputs from agencies)