ALBAWABA - Indian and Chinese military are withdrawing from disputed border areas to reduce tensions. After agreeing to establish joint patrols along the Line of Actual Control, this pullback occurred. A senior military officer told NDTV that soldiers are retiring from Demchok and Depsang in eastern Ladakh.
The military retreat should finish this month, restoring soldiers to pre-April 2020 deployments. The procedure includes dismantling tents and shelters. To ensure a smooth retreat, commanders from both sides will communicate regularly.
In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Lin Cien said “the border forces of both countries are conducting relevant tasks without issue.”
After China and India agreed to restrict LAC patrols on October 22, this synchronized pullout occurred. After a rare meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan, Russia, on October 23, the announcement was made. This encounter was the first direct talk between leaders since border problems escalated.
The 3,500-kilometer Himalayan border between India and China has long been contentious. The two nations often clash due to the mountainous border with rivers, lakes, glaciers, and high peaks.
China claims 90,000 square kilometers of "Southern Tibet" in Arunachal Pradesh, whereas India claims 38,000 square kilometers of Aksai Chin plateau. Recent tensions peaked in June 2020 with the Galwan Valley incident, which killed 20 Indian troops and four Chinese. After that, India installed a missile defense system while China placed howitzers and tanks along the border.
After then, Indian and Chinese military officials have undertaken discussions to deescalate the situation. In February 2024, the 21st round of these talks at the Moldo-Chushul border point on the Indian side addressed remaining concerns in eastern Ladakh, the western part of the LAC. These discussions led to a withdrawal of soldiers from Pangong Lake, Gogra, and the Galwan Valley.
