In a gesture of goodwill marking the Diwali festivities, Indian and Chinese troops exchanged sweets along the border a day after completing disengagement from the Depsang and Demchok areas in eastern Ladakh. This symbolic exchange follows a phased withdrawal of forces, with both sides removing temporary structures and retreating from contested zones as part of ongoing efforts to ease tensions since the Galwan Valley standoff in 2020. The move reflects a mutual commitment to maintain stability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as both nations continue discussions to ensure smooth patrolling and peaceful coordination in the region.
Indian and Chinese forces have completed the disengagement process in the tense regions of Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh, where conflicts have simmered since the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. This significant step, confirmed by Indian Army sources, involved the removal of troops, tents, and temporary structures from these contested zones, paving the way for potential resumption of routine patrolling in the future. The successful conclusion of disengagement efforts was marked by a gesture of goodwill, with both sides exchanging sweets on October 31 to celebrate Diwali.
The disengagement, achieved after a series of high-level talks and negotiations, has now led to a series of coordinated patrols that will be carried out by ground-level commanders. Brigadiers and other senior officers are expected to continue regular discussions to finalize and implement stable patrolling routines across these sensitive border zones, fostering better communication and stability between the two nations.
Verification and Ongoing Efforts to Ensure Stability
To confirm compliance, both sides have employed aerial and ground inspections, ensuring that temporary installations have been completely dismantled and that troops have been withdrawn. Aerial verification using UAVs was completed in Depsang, while similar efforts in Demchok have faced weather-related delays, expected to conclude in the coming days.
On October 21, India announced its agreement with China on an official LAC patrolling framework, which aims to prevent further escalation and ensure transparency between the two forces. With temporary structures and vehicles cleared from Depsang and Demchok, this phased disengagement is a promising step toward stability, marking the end of the standoff that began over four years ago following the Galwan clash.