National Desk
28 October
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
The process of troop withdrawal between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh was initially expected to conclude today but has been extended, with completion now anticipated by October 29. This agreement focuses specifically on the contested regions of Depsang and Damchok, where both nations are reducing their military presence.
Defense Department sources clarified that this withdrawal agreement is limited to these two locations and does not address other areas of contention along the border. The agreement stipulates that troops will return to their April 2020 positions, restoring earlier patrolling arrangements.
India’s Foreign Minister, S. Jaishankar, highlighted that this withdrawal marks a critical first step, with the subsequent goal of easing tensions and gradually rebuilding trust between the two countries. He emphasized that the agreement addresses three primary issues: the immediate withdrawal of forces to reduce the chance of conflict, de-escalation to ease military presence further, and a broader dialogue on sustainable border management and dispute resolution.
Earlier, the Ministry of Defense issued a statement emphasizing the troop withdrawal as a significant diplomatic step toward stabilizing relations between India and China, with both sides aiming for improved stability along the LAC.