Cautious Optimism as India-China Move Toward Troop Disengagement Along LAC
India and China are cautiously moving toward troop disengagement in Ladakh, aiming to restore the 2020 Line of Actual Control (LAC) status. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stressed the need for time to implement this fully, particularly in areas like Depsang and Demchok. He noted that while this step reduces border tensions, India remains vigilant, ensuring de-escalation is mutual.
The recent agreement on patrolling and disengagement in Depsang and Demchok represents a substantial breakthrough after a prolonged four-year standoff in eastern Ladakh. Jaishankar expressed optimism that the status along the LAC could return to its 2020 conditions. "The disengagement means our forces, previously stationed in close proximity, are returning to their bases. Restoring the 2020 status will, however, take time," he told PTI.
Tensions between the two nations escalated significantly in June 2020, when a violent clash in Ladakh's Galwan Valley led to the loss of 20 Indian soldiers, with casualties on the Chinese side as well. The disengagement, which began on October 23, seeks to address the last major standoffs in Depsang and Demchok.
The diplomatic momentum continued last week as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping during the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia—the first bilateral meeting between the two leaders since 2019. During the meeting, PM Modi underscored the importance of maintaining peace along the border, calling it a shared priority for India and China.
