The United States has commended India and China for taking steps to disengage troops from the Depsang plains and Demchok in eastern Ladakh, recognizing it as a positive measure for reducing tensions along the border. U.S. State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller expressed support for this development, stating that the U.S. welcomes any reduction in border tensions. The disengagement plan will allow troops from both sides to resume pre-2020 patrolling in these regions, with protocols in place for mutual notification of patrol timings.
Since the border standoff began in 2020, Chinese troops have restricted Indian Army access in certain critical areas in eastern Ladakh, particularly around Points PP 10, 11, 11A, 12, and 13 in the Depsang area—covering approximately 952 square kilometers. Depsang, a strategic location near the Y-Junction, is crucial as it links the Siachen Glacier with the Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) airfield. In Demchok, where the Charding Nullah serves as a dividing line between Indian and Chinese territory, both sides have now agreed to measures that facilitate more regulated patrolling access for each country.
The recent breakthrough comes after 4.5 years of border standoffs, marked by 21 rounds of high-level military talks and numerous diplomatic efforts aimed at easing the situation. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the new patrolling agreements following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the BRICS Summit in Russia. The disengagement process, scheduled to conclude with thorough verification, aims to ensure future stability and prevent further confrontations in these sensitive areas.
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