The United States (US) has expressed cautious optimism about recent steps taken by India and China to de-escalate longstanding border tensions.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller conveyed the remarks, acknowledging the importance of recent troop withdrawals along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and describing these actions as a positive move toward peace and stability in the region.
Closely Following Developments; Welcome Any Reduction In Tensions: Miller
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Miller stated, “We’re closely following the developments. We understand that both countries have taken initial steps to withdraw troops from friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). We welcome any reduction in tensions along the border.”
While addressing queries about a potential American role in brokering the de-escalation, Miller clarified, “No, we have talked to our Indian partners and been briefed on it, but we did not play any role in this resolution.”
The troop pullbacks in eastern Ladakh, including the dismantling of temporary infrastructure in the strategically sensitive Depsang plains and Demchok regions, have sparked cautious optimism among defense analysts.
According to sources, both sides have withdrawn their troops to rear locations as part of the disengagement process. Patrolling will resume at previously inaccessible points, with small teams of about 10 to 15 soldiers carrying out these operations. This step marks a cautious move toward reducing tensions in the region since the standoff began in April 2020.
The recent agreement marks a hopeful step forward in an ongoing standoff that began in June 2020 with a violent clash in the Galwan Valley, which tragically resulted in casualties on both sides.
Since then, diplomatic and military dialogues have aimed to reduce military presence and alleviate tensions in contested border zones.
The LAC development comes just after the 16th BRICS Summit in Russia’s Kazan, held from 22-24 October, where leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China’s President Xi Jinping, were likely to discuss regional security issues among other cooperative agendas.
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