No Roadblocks in India-China Disengagement, Patrolling Restored in Depsang and Demchok

New Delhi, India – Certain Media articles published on November 6 and 7, 2024, have speculated about roadblocks or objections in the disengagement process following the consensus reached between India and China on October 21, 2024. The Indian Army has firmly stated that the disengagement process in the Depsang and Demchok regions has been completed successfully, with no obstacles encountered during its implementation.

The Indian Army emphasized that the process, which includes the resumption of patrolling in traditional areas, is proceeding in a planned and organized manner as agreed. The claims published by certain media outlets regarding issues in the disengagement process are speculative and not grounded in fact. The government has called on the concerned media houses to verify the information and exercise editorial discretion when publishing sensitive matters such as these.  

Verification Patrolling Begins in Depsang and Demchok  

On Saturday, November 9, 2024, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that “verification patrolling” has commenced in the Depsang and Demchok areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. This is part of the ongoing disengagement agreement between India and China, which was finalized on October 21, 2024, to reduce tensions in the region and initiate the repair of bilateral ties.

The resumption of patrolling marks a significant development in India’s ability to access key areas in the Depsang Plains, particularly close to the strategically important Daulat Beg Oldie post near the Karakoram Pass, and in the Demchok sector, located in the southeastern part of Ladakh. The Indian Army has confirmed that coordination for patrolling in these areas, previously obstructed by the Chinese, has now been established.

The Depsang Plains had been a contentious area, where the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) had restricted Indian access to five patrolling points: PP 10, PP 11, PP 11A, PP 12, and PP 13. Indian sources confirmed that these restrictions have been lifted, and patrolling has now resumed under the mutually agreed terms.  

This resumption of access to vital patrolling points is crucial for maintaining Indian security and operational readiness in the region. Indian Army officials highlighted the importance of these areas for ensuring the country's defence posture along the LAC.  

Government's Response to Media Speculation  

Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, reiterated that the disengagement process has been carried out as per the mutual understanding reached between both countries. “As you are aware, the last phase of disengagement was agreed upon on October 21, 2024. As a result, verification patrolling has commenced in Demchok and Depsang,” Jaiswal said during a press briefing.  

The agreement, which was reached after months of tense negotiations, signals a return to normalcy in these key areas. The resumption of patrolling in Depsang and Demchok represents a significant step toward restoring Indian control over its traditional patrol points, following years of disruption.  

A Key Step in Rebuilding Bilateral Relations  

This agreement is of immense importance, as it marks a shift in China’s stance toward the Depsang Plains and Demchok, areas which, until recently, were not included in the disengagement talks. Earlier, the Chinese had shown reluctance to discuss these regions while agreeing to disengage at other friction points such as Galwan (PP 14), Hot Springs (PP 15), and Gogra (PP 17A), as well as the north and south banks of Pangong Tso. The current breakthrough in Depsang and Demchok reflects both countries’ desire to reduce tensions and enhance mutual trust.

The Chinese side had long refused to discuss these regions, but following the breakthrough agreement on October 21, the special representatives of India and China will meet soon to discuss the long-standing boundary issue in more depth.  

This agreement is viewed as a positive development for regional security, particularly as both countries look to manage their relationship more effectively after the border clashes of 2020. The shift toward normalizing patrolling rights in these sensitive areas is expected to bring more stability to the region, which has been fraught with tensions since the Chinese incursions in Eastern Ladakh were first detected in May 2020.