India and China to withdraw troops in Ladakh disengagement

Indian and Chinese troops are set to complete their disengagement in the Depsang and Demchok regions of Ladakh, returning to their pre-April 2020 positions by Tuesday, according to Army sources. This agreement aims to alleviate the military and diplomatic tensions that have persisted along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) for over four years.

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As part of the agreement, both sides will dismantle temporary structures, such as tents and sheds, and maintain a communication protocol for patrols to prevent misunderstandings. Ground commanders will hold regular meetings to ensure coordination and transparency during the process.

The move follows a recent patrolling agreement, which covers only these specific areas, and is hoped to mark a turning point after a series of skirmishes, including the fatal clash in Galwan in June 2020, which claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers.

In the aftermath of the Galwan incident, both nations had significantly increased their military presence along the LAC. Reports indicated that India airlifted around 70,000 troops, along with tanks and aircraft, to bolster its defenses in eastern Ladakh, while China also deployed substantial forces across the region.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized that restoring trust with China remains a priority for the Indian military.