India and China will complete military disengagement along the LAC by October 28-29, following a significant agreement to resolve border tensions. The disengagement will occur at Demchok and Depsang, marking the first step toward de-escalation post-2020 Galwan clash. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for ongoing efforts to build trust and manage border negotiations effectively.
On October 28-29, India and China will finalize military disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), marking a significant development in the two nations’ diplomatic relations. This disengagement process will commence in dissension areas following an agreement aimed at alleviating the longstanding border dispute. This initiative is particularly notable as it represents the first agreement reached since the tumultuous Galwan clash in 2020, which resulted in numerous fatalities on both sides. The disengagement efforts will focus on two critical friction points at Demchok and the Depsang Plains in eastern Ladakh. According to an Indian Army source, the current agreements will be specific to these locations, indicating that they do not extend to other contentious areas. The troops are expected to withdraw to their original positions from before April 2020 and resume patrols in regions previously accessed until that time. In adherence to the agreed measures, Indian forces have already begun relocating equipment to more secure locations in the reinstated zones. However, it remains unclear whether any formal ceremony will take place to symbolize the culmination of this disengagement, especially considering that significant unresolved issues persist in these regions. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar commented on the disengagement, stating that this act is merely the first step toward reducing tension at the border. Furthermore, he mentioned that rebuilding trust and willingness between the nations would require considerable time. He articulated three primary issues addressed in the agreement: first, the disengagement of troops positioned dangerously close to one another; second, the subsequent de-escalation of the situation; and lastly, the broader matter of border management and the negotiation of a definitive boundary settlement.
The military disengagement between India and China is set against the backdrop of heightened tensions that have characterized bilateral relations since a deadly skirmish in 2020 at Galwan. The ongoing border dispute has been a persistent issue for decades, exacerbating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. In recent months, both nations have recognized the need to address these conflicts for the sake of regional stability and mutual cooperation.
The completion of military disengagement along the LAC is a critical development for India and China, representing a cautious step towards diplomatic normalization. While the disengagement signifies movement toward de-escalation, it is a preliminary measure that must be followed by sustained efforts to negotiate a comprehensive boundary settlement and rebuild trust between the two nations. Future steps will be crucial in determining the trajectory of India-China relations.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
