India and China are scheduled to complete military disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) by October 28-29, a significant diplomatic development following a recent agreement. Disengagement will occur at Demchok and Depsang Plains, with a return to pre-April 2020 positions. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for trust and the consideration of de-escalation and border management as next steps.
India and China are set to finalize their military disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) by October 28-29, marking a significant diplomatic advancement between the two nations. This strategic decision follows a pivotal agreement aimed at addressing long-standing border disputes. Specifically, the disengagement process will occur at two designated friction points: Demchok and Depsang Plains in eastern Ladakh. Once troops from both countries have successfully disengaged and removed temporary installations, patrolling in specific LAC areas will resume. According to sources within the Indian Army, this current agreement is restricted to the aforementioned locations and does not extend to other areas of contention. Troops are expected to revert to the positions they occupied prior to April 2020, resuming patrols in regions they regularly monitored until that time. The Indian military has commenced the withdrawal of equipment to designated locations, although it remains uncertain whether there will be a formal ceremony to commemorate the disengagement process due to ongoing issues at these friction points. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar indicates that this disengagement represents merely the first phase, with subsequent efforts towards de-escalation of tensions to follow. He emphasized the need for a gradual rebuilding of trust between India and China, as the recent border circumstances have strained their bilateral relationship. Dr. Jaishankar underscored three critical aspects of the agreement: the immediate necessity of disengagement to prevent potential incidents due to proximity of troops, followed by steps toward de-escalation, and finally, addressing the broader issue of border management and negotiations regarding the boundary settlement.
The military tensions between India and China have escalated significantly since the Galwan clash in 2020, which resulted in multiple casualties. The Line of Actual Control (LAC), marking the de facto border between the two nations, has been a longstanding point of contention, primarily due to differing interpretations of territory. The completion of military disengagement is a response to these ongoing conflicts and represents a diplomatic effort to stabilize relations. These developments are crucial steps in addressing the historical complexities of the border disputes and establishing groundwork for peaceful negotiations moving forward.
The completion of military disengagement between India and China is a significant move towards reducing tensions along the LAC. It signifies both nations’ willingness to address longstanding disputes and lays the groundwork for further diplomatic negotiations. While the agreement only applies to the Demchok and Depsang Plains, it is a hopeful first step toward broader reconciliation. As articulated by Dr. S. Jaishankar, trust-building and comprehensive solutions to border management will be essential to sustaining peaceful relations moving ahead.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
