India-China Troop Withdrawal In Ladakh: Disengagement Process Advances

In a significant development, India and China are nearing the completion of the disengagement process in the eastern Ladakh areas of Depsang and Demchok. Both armies are currently verifying the withdrawal, ensuring that positions are vacated and any military infrastructure is removed. This step is crucial for de-escalation and is being conducted with a sense of mutual trust, although physical and aerial verification will follow to confirm compliance. Despite the progress in disengagement, no discussions have taken place yet regarding the establishment of four buffer zones, including the sensitive Galwan area. Once trust is further solidified with resumed patrolling in Depsang and Demchok, it is anticipated that Corps Commander-level talks will commence to address patrols in the proposed buffer zones. However, a specific date for these discussions has yet to be established. This development follows External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's recent announcement signalling a return to the status quo along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as it was before the 2020 standoff. Additionally, during the BRICS summit in Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping endorsed the India-China agreement on patrolling and disengagement, reflecting a commitment to diplomatic resolution.