Indian and Chinese troops exchanged sweets at several border posts along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh on Diwali. This gesture comes as both nations near the completion of a disengagement process at the LAC.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed the progress during an event in Arunachal Pradesh. Defence Ministry sources reported that the disengagement is nearly complete. Troops from both sides have begun verifying positions and dismantling infrastructure.
The dismantling of temporary structures in Depsang Plains and Demchok has been completed. Verification is ongoing at multiple locations, using both physical checks and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
As part of the disengagement, troops have been withdrawn to deeper rear locations. Future patrolling will be conducted by small units of around 10 to 15 soldiers, allowing access to previously unreachable points since April 2020.
India and China have faced a military standoff in eastern Ladakh due to Chinese incursions over the past four and a half years. Last week, following India’s announcement of a new patrolling agreement, China confirmed that its troops are also engaged in related activities.
Army sources indicated that coordinated patrolling would begin within two days after the verification process is completed. Both sides will provide prior information to prevent potential face-offs.
In the Depsang Plains, Indian troops will now access areas beyond the ‘bottleneck’ that had previously restricted them. In Demchok, access to patrolling points at Track Junction and Charding Nullah is expected to improve.
Despite the progress, a significant number of Indian troops deployed in Ladakh since 2020 will remain until a broader consensus on border patrolling is established with China. Defence sources emphasized that there are no immediate plans to withdraw troops until mutual trust and verification are solidified.
A similar disengagement arrangement is also being developed in Arunachal Pradesh, following tensions in the Yangtse, Asaphila, and Subansiri Valleys.
