New Delhi: India and China are nearing a complete disengagement of troops at the crucial Depsang and Demchok flashpoints in Ladakh, easing tensions gripping the India-China border for years. The US has welcomed the move, noting it has been briefed by New Delhi, but reiterating it played no role in the resolution.
“We are closely following the developments (between India and China). We understand that both countries have taken initial steps to withdraw troops from friction points along the Line of Actual Control. We welcome any reduction in tensions along the border,” State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters.
“We have talked to our Indian partners and been briefed on it, but we did not play any role in this resolution,” Miller added.
The disengagement, almost complete, involves the simultaneous verification of troop and equipment pullback by both sides to a mutually agreed distance from the face-off sites, Hindustan Times reported. This marks a breakthrough after a two-year impasse in negotiations to narrow down differences and find a resolution to the ongoing border disputes.
The disengagement process, which began after a breakthrough in negotiations on October 21, covers Depsang and Demchok, the last two flashpoints in Ladakh where rival soldiers have been locked in a tense standoff for almost four-and-a-half years.
This development builds on earlier disengagement agreements in other areas like Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso, Gogra (PP-17A), and Hot Springs (PP-15), where buffer zones were established to prevent further confrontations. However, this time, no buffer zones will be created at Depsang and Demchok.
According to military experts, De-escalation of the conflict and the eventual withdrawal of troops are crucial for restoring peace and tranquillity to the region. Both armies still maintain a significant presence in the Ladakh theatre, with tens of thousands of troops and advanced weaponry deployed.
