The withdrawal of troops between India and China in eastern Ladakh district has begun in two major disputed areas-Demchok and Depsang Plains-in eastern Ladakh district, defense officials said. Indian troops have started withdrawing equipment as per the agreement it lies between the two sides. As of this morning, about 40 per cent of the process of evacuation of Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh has been completed. Wing of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and Indian army have moved out of temporary buildings and bases have been removed.
Verification and documentation underway
Both sides are expected to carry out physical surveys and aerial documentation of exclusion zones at Demchok and Depsang, a certification process necessary to ensure compliance with the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
High-level communication maintains progress
A telephone conversation has been held between Chinese PLA and Indian Army officials to monitor the withdrawal process. These talks will be followed by a video recording of Demchok and Depsang that will provide peace and tranquillity, reinforcing the two countries’ commitment to stabilise the situation in the region.
Agreement to restore patrolling and ground situation
On October 21, India announced that it had agreed to monitor the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, effectively ending more than four years of military conflict. At an event in New Delhi on October 24, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh stressed the importance of restoring a “ground situation” based on the principle of equal security, including resuming traditional patrolling and grazing areas.
Regular discussions with local commanders
Local formation commanders from India and China will hold twice-daily talks to address the ongoing developments and maintain peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This policy aims to promote effective communication and communication between the two sides.
Pending updates on buffer zones
So far, no further information has been received on the Galwan Valley and three other checkpoints where patrol operations are yet to resume. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
Upcoming Corps commander-level talks
Talks at the commander-in-chief level are expected soon, although a specific date has yet to be determined. These high-level talks are expected to further facilitate the disengagement process and promote regional stability.
Continuous dialogue as a solution
Singh attributed the improvement in bilateral relations to “the ability to engage in sustained dialogue”, stressing that eventually a solution would come in. He said both countries owed them to engage in dialogue at the diplomatic and military levels to resolve their differences in the LAC. There has been a broad consensus to restore the status quo on the ground by the principle of mutual security.
"India and China have been involved in talks both at diplomatic and military levels to resolve their differences in certain areas along the LAC. A broad consensus has been achieved to restore ground situation based on the principles of equal and mutual security," he said, delivering the keynote address at the second Chanakya Defence Dialogue.
PM Modi discussed agreement with President Xi Jinping
On the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping, where an agreement was ratified on the planned patrols along the LAC. PM Modi stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability along the border, stressing that mutual trust should be the foundation for bilateral relations.
"PM Modi underscored the importance of not allowing differences on boundary-related matters to disturb peace and tranquillity on our borders. The two leaders noted that the special representatives on the India-China boundary question have a critical role to play in the resolution of the boundary question and for the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said.
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