India and China Agree on Weekly Patrols in Demchok and Depsang
In a significant development, the armies of India and China have agreed to conduct one coordinated patrol each week in the Demchok and Depsang areas of eastern Ladakh. This agreement follows the successful disengagement of troops from these regions in late October. The coordinated patrols began in the first week of November, with each side conducting one patrol per week in both areas. Indian and Chinese troops will alternate patrols, ensuring a balanced presence in the region.
The agreement was reached after multiple rounds of discussions at political, diplomatic, and military levels. Both nations have committed to maintaining regular ground commander-level engagements to ensure ongoing cooperation and stability. Verification patrols have also been conducted to confirm the disengagement process.
This development comes after a four-year military standoff between India and China, which began following a violent clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020. The clash marked the most severe military conflict between the two countries in decades, leading to heightened tensions along the Line of Actual Control.
Doubts Revealed
Demchok and Depsang -: Demchok and Depsang are areas located in the eastern part of Ladakh, which is a region in northern India. These areas are near the border between India and China.
Weekly Patrols -: Weekly patrols mean that soldiers from both India and China will regularly check and monitor the border areas once every week to ensure peace and security.
Disengagement of troops -: Disengagement of troops means that soldiers from both countries have moved back from their positions to reduce tension and avoid conflict.
Galwan Valley clash -: The Galwan Valley clash was a violent encounter between Indian and Chinese soldiers in June 2020, which resulted in casualties on both sides and increased tensions between the two countries.
Ground commander engagements -: Ground commander engagements refer to meetings and discussions between military leaders from both countries to ensure that the agreements are followed and to resolve any issues that arise.
