New Delhi — In a significant development, Indian Army sources confirmed on Wednesday that the complete withdrawal of troops from Demchok and Depsang, two of the most contested regions in eastern Ladakh, has been successfully executed. This strategic step paves the way for the resumption of patrolling activities in the area, anticipated to begin shortly. The announcement of the patrolling agreement between India and China was made on October 21 and was promptly acknowledged by Chinese officials the following day. Following this, both nations initiated the withdrawal of troops stationed at these contentious locations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Military sources indicated that the withdrawal process was expected to be finalized between October 28 and 29. As a gesture of goodwill, soldiers from both countries are set to exchange Diwali sweets on Thursday, symbolizing a spirit of cooperation amid ongoing tensions. Currently, verification of post-withdrawal status is underway, with local commanders deliberating on the patterns of future patrols. In accordance with their agreement, Indian forces have successfully removed military equipment from the Demchok and Depsang areas.
In a related statement, Chinese Foreign Minister Lin Jian noted that both nations are executing their troop withdrawals in an orderly manner, affirming that soldiers from India and China are adhering to the terms of the agreement. The exchange of festive sweets between the soldiers not only marks a hopeful milestone in India-China relations but also highlights the potential for dialogue and peaceful resolution in a region that has seen heightened military presence and conflict in recent years.
