India, China begin initial disengagement in Eastern Ladakh

India and China have started the first steps of disengagement in Eastern Ladakh’s contested Depsang and Demchok regions. Satellite images are available in this regard. The visuals, provided by US-based Maxar Technologies and dated Friday, capture a noticeable reduction of Chinese structures in the area, signaling an effort to defuse the prolonged military standoff before the severe winter conditions set in.

Also Read: India and China to withdraw troops in Ladakh disengagement

According to the satellite images, dismantling has occurred at multiple sites, with the removal of both temporary structures and shelters that had been a prominent part of the Chinese PLA’s fortified presence. One striking example is at Depsang’s Patrol Point 10, where a large shelter, present since the standoff began, was removed by Friday’s observation. Comparisons with August 7 imagery clearly show a previously intact structure now flattened.

Further south in Demchok, images taken between October 9 and October 25 document additional removals of PLA shelters, supporting the recent disengagement announcement. At another outpost in Depsang, images reveal that transport vehicles and structures have been withdrawn.

Both nations expect this round of disengagement to conclude in the coming days. While significant structures remain, these visible reductions mark a hopeful shift towards a more stable arrangement in the region.