Following the removal of army from Demchok and the recommencement of patrols along the India-China border LAC, Indian Army has also finished patrolling at a critical patrol point in Depsang today. This is seen as another beneficial move in keeping peace along the LAC. China mentioned on Monday that the progress of the troop withdrawal agreement with India in eastern Ladakh is proceeding smoothly, without giving any details on the patrol resumption in Depsang and Demchok.
Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesperson for the Indian Foreign Ministry, informed the media in New Delhi on Saturday that the Indian Army has commenced verification patrols in Depsang, the second conflict zone in eastern Ladakh. Patrolling in Demchok started on Friday, following the withdrawal of Indian and Chinese troops from two conflict zones in eastern Ladakh.
However, responding to reporters, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning mentioned that Chinese and Indian troops are carrying out the agreed-upon solution for border area issues. “It is currently proceeding without any issues.” Nevertheless, she failed to respond to the particular inquiry regarding the commencement of patrolling by Indian troops in the two regions.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced in Delhi on October 21 that a deal has been reached between India and China after weeks of negotiations to address the 2020 disputes. According to the deal, troops would patrol and withdraw along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, marking a significant development in resolving the ongoing standoff of over four years.
It is important to mention that the relationship between the two Asian countries had worsened following the intense confrontation in Galwan Valley in June 2020