New Delhi: n a significant development, Indian troops have resumed patrolling in Demchok, a contentious region in eastern Ladakh, marking a new phase in efforts to stabilize relations with China. Just days after a long-awaited troop withdrawal from two tense points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Indian soldiers returned to patrol the area on Friday, signaling renewed confidence in maintaining peace along the high-altitude border.
Sources from the Indian Army confirmed that patrols in Demchok have begun and added that patrolling in Depsang, another critical flashpoint, may soon follow. On Wednesday, Army officials had announced that both India and China had successfully completed their troop disengagement in the contested areas of Demchok and Depsang. This breakthrough followed extensive negotiations, which were seen as critical to reducing long-standing tensions on the LAC.
Diwali Diplomacy: Troop Withdrawal and Sweets Exchange Foster New Atmosphere at the LAC
The withdrawal and resumed patrolling were accompanied by an exchange of sweets between Indian and Chinese soldiers at various border posts to mark Diwali. This goodwill gesture highlighted a positive shift following the troop pullback, which some defense experts view as a significant step toward mending ties frayed since the June 2020 clashes in the Galwan Valley.
Army sources shared that the areas of patrol could potentially revert to their pre-April 2020 boundaries a period before skirmishes over territorial disputes along the LAC severely impacted the India-China relationship. Officials clarified that, while patrolling has started in Demchok, the exact boundaries and protocols for patrol areas are still under review by commanders on both sides.
Key Agreement Reached After Weeks of Negotiations
The thaw in relations comes after intensive dialogue led by senior commanders from both countries. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, commenting on October 21, confirmed that the two nations had finalized an agreement outlining the protocols for troop disengagement and patrolling. “This agreement is a crucial step toward addressing the issues that surfaced in 2020,” Misri stated, underscoring the agreement as a pivotal achievement after years of strained relations and military buildup.
According to Army sources, the current arrangement represents a major breakthrough toward resolving the prolonged standoff that has persisted for over four years. The resumption of patrolling is expected to continue gradually, with further rounds of talks planned to address logistical details at the local commander level.
Path to Stability: Dialogue Continues at Commander Level as Verification Ensues
Army officials indicate that both sides are conducting verification checks following the withdrawal to ensure compliance with the agreed terms. Additional discussions between local commanders are expected to define patrol boundaries, procedural protocols, and to further ease tensions.
This resumption of patrolling and ongoing dialogue represent a significant shift in India-China relations since the standoff began in 2020, catalyzed by deadly confrontations in the Galwan Valley. While challenges remain, the successful disengagement in Ladakh is viewed as an essential first step toward restoring a more stable and peaceful environment along one of the world’s most sensitive borders.
