India, China disengagement in Ladakh's Depsang, Demchok to be completed today

The disengagement between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh’s Depsang and Demchok areas is anticipated to conclude by Tuesday, marking a significant step toward stabilizing a tense standoff that has persisted since April 2020. Following this, both forces will resume coordinated patrols in these previously inaccessible zones, according to Army sources. Reports indicate that the dismantling of temporary installations in these areas is nearly finalized, with initial rounds of verification completed by both sides. This process is being carried out using a combination of ground inspections and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) support.

In alignment with disengagement protocols, troops from both countries are being relocated to rear positions. Upcoming patrols to previously restricted points will involve small teams, typically comprising 10 to 15 personnel, ensuring controlled access to these areas. The verification of the disengagement has been conducted with close cooperation between Indian and Chinese officers. Recent satellite images further confirm that the temporary structures in Depsang and Demchok have been taken down on the Chinese side. India and China have been engaged in a prolonged military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh after confrontations erupted over four years ago. Last week, an agreement on patrol activities in Depsang and Demchok was confirmed by both nations, with China noting that “the Chinese and Indian frontier troops are engaged in relevant work, which is going smoothly at the moment.” After the current verification wraps up, coordinated patrols are expected to commence within two days, with both armies exchanging prior information to avoid potential face-offs.

Efforts are also being made to address similar issues in Arunachal Pradesh, where standoffs have occurred in the Yangtse, Asaphila, and Subansiri Valley areas. In Depsang, Indian troops should soon regain access to patrol routes beyond the ‘bottleneck’ region, where they had previously faced obstructions from Chinese forces. In Demchok, patrolling access is expected to include Track Junction and Charding Nullah. Despite these recent advancements, a large contingent of Indian troops deployed to Ladakh in 2020 will remain stationed until both sides reach a more comprehensive agreement on border patrolling mechanisms. Sources suggest that these forces are unlikely to be withdrawn in the near future, as trust and verification measures continue to develop.