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India and China have made strides towards disengagement, a welcome development after years of strained relations, according to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The disengagement at two friction points in eastern Ladakh, specifically at Demchok and Depsang Plains, marks a significant step in easing tensions between the two Asian giants. The Indian Army has commenced verification patrols at Depsang, while patrolling at Demchok began on Friday.
This development follows a period of heightened tension along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that began in 2020, with both countries deploying substantial military forces. Jaishankar acknowledged the presence of a significant increase in Chinese troops along the LAC, necessitating a counter-deployment by India. These deployments and the broader impact on bilateral relations underscore the importance of the recent disengagement as a potential catalyst for positive change.
While acknowledging the progress made, Jaishankar also stressed the need for continued discussions to determine the direction of future relations. He mentioned the expectation, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Russia last month, for meetings between national security advisors and foreign ministers. These discussions will be crucial for exploring further steps towards de-escalation and potential resolution of outstanding issues.
The agreement on disengagement and patrolling along the LAC, finalized after months of negotiations, marks a significant breakthrough in addressing the four-year standoff. The agreement, which was announced by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in October 2024, represents a commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the border disputes that have plagued the relationship between India and China for decades. However, the recent progress is only a first step in the complex process of restoring trust and achieving lasting peace in the border region.
The disengagement represents a glimmer of hope for improved relations between India and China. While both sides are expected to continue engaging in dialogue to address remaining concerns, the recent progress on disengagement signifies a potential turning point in their relationship. The future trajectory of relations will be shaped by the outcomes of the upcoming discussions and the willingness of both sides to work towards a mutually beneficial resolution of their differences.
Source: India and China made some progress in disengagement, says S Jaishankar