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The ongoing disengagement of troops between India and China in eastern Ladakh is progressing smoothly, according to a statement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. This confirmation comes amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions between the two Asian giants over their shared border. The agreement for troop disengagement, reached after several weeks of negotiations, aims to resolve issues stemming from the 2020 border standoff that led to a fierce clash in the Galwan Valley.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, stated that the implementation of the disengagement agreement is proceeding smoothly. However, she declined to comment on the resumption of patrolling by Indian troops in the two areas of Depsang and Demchok, where tensions have been particularly high. Earlier, India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Indian troops have commenced verification patrols at Depsang, with patrolling at Demchok beginning the day after the completion of troop disengagement.
The disengagement agreement, finalized in October, marks a significant step towards easing tensions between India and China. It outlines specific areas for troop disengagement and patrolling protocols along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. The agreement is seen as a breakthrough in ending the prolonged standoff that has strained relations between the two countries. The agreement has been met with cautious optimism by both sides, with both India and China emphasizing their commitment to resolving the border issue through dialogue and diplomacy.