India-China Reach Agreement on LAC: Patrolling Resumes, Disengagement at Depsang and Demchok After 4-Year Standoff

India and China have reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) after prolonged diplomatic and military talks. This breakthrough follows a four-year standoff in Eastern Ladakh since 2020.

The agreement primarily covers disengagement at friction points in Depsang and Demchok. Defence officials confirmed that both sides agreed to resume patrolling in these areas, where patrols had been suspended. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that recent discussions at various levels, including military commanders and diplomatic forums, helped finalize the arrangements.

While details of the agreement remain under wraps, sources from the Ministry of Defence revealed that ongoing talks between India and China have focused on managing patrol points, especially in sensitive areas like Depsang and Demchok. The progress comes after earlier disengagements in locations such as Galwan, Gogra, and Hot Springs.

The process includes three steps: Disengagement, De-escalation, and De-induction. Officials clarified that troop pullback will not happen immediately but emphasized positive progress on the ground.

The next steps might be announced following a possible meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the BRICS summit. India and China have held 21 rounds of military talks and 31 rounds of discussions under the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination (WMCC) to resolve the border dispute.

With this agreement, the situation along the LAC shows signs of improvement, aiming to restore peace and stability in the border areas.