The armies of India and China have agreed to conduct joint patrols once a week in the Demchok and Depsang regions of eastern Ladakh. This agreement follows the successful completion of a disengagement process in these areas at the end of October. The coordinated patrols, which began in the first week of November, mark a significant step in reducing tensions between the two countries.
The patrols involve both Indian and Chinese troops, with each side carrying out one patrol per week in the respective regions of Demchok and Depsang. According to defence sources, Indian troops will patrol one area, while Chinese troops will patrol another. This arrangement is designed to ensure mutual oversight and maintain peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The agreement to resume patrols comes after several rounds of discussions at political, diplomatic, and military levels. These talks were aimed at finding a way to reduce the military standoff between India and China, which has lasted for several years. Both nations have now agreed on the disengagement process for the two regions, which had been key points of contention during the standoff.
The completion of disengagement in Demchok and Depsang marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to ease tensions. The two sides have also conducted verification patrols to ensure the smooth execution of the disengagement process. These patrols aim to monitor the situation on the ground and confirm that both sides are adhering to the terms of the disengagement agreement.
India and China had been involved in a military standoff for over four years, with relations between the two nations reaching a peak of tension after the violent clash in Galwan Valley in June 2020.
This clash led to significant casualties on both sides, making it the most serious military conflict between the two countries in decades. The incident in Galwan Valley underscored the high stakes involved in the ongoing border dispute between India and China, and it prompted both sides to reassess their military strategies along the border.
Since then, both India and China have been engaged in a series of discussions aimed at easing tensions and ensuring the safety of their troops along the LAC.
The coordinated patrols in Demchok and Depsang are seen as a positive step toward achieving this goal. Regular meetings between the ground commanders of both sides will continue in these areas to address any concerns that may arise during the patrols and ensure that the disengagement process remains on track.
The coordinated patrols are also a part of broader efforts to restore stability and prevent further incidents along the border. By conducting regular patrols and maintaining an open line of communication, both India and China hope to reduce the risk of misunderstandings or skirmishes that could escalate into larger conflicts.
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