As India, China Begin Coordinated Patrols, Clips of Indian Troops Beating PLA Soldiers Go Viral

Eastern Ladakh, India – In a notable step towards reducing military tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Indian and Chinese armies have initiated weekly coordinated patrols in the strategically significant regions of Demchok and Depsang in Eastern Ladakh. This development follows nearly four years of heightened alertness and negotiations between the two nations after the deadly Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, which marked the most intense border confrontation between India and China in decades. 

Defence sources confirm that Indian and Chinese troops successfully completed their first coordinated patrols in early November, a move that comes after an agreement to disengage from Demchok and Depsang, achieved through sustained diplomatic, political, and military talks. This disengagement milestone in late October is being viewed as a significant stride toward stabilizing the region and fostering mutual understanding. 

Under the new agreement, both Indian and Chinese forces will carry out one patrol per week in Demchok and Depsang. Each side will conduct its patrol in its designated area, adhering to stringent coordination protocols. This arrangement is intended to maintain controlled military engagement, avoid misunderstandings, and minimize risks along the LAC. The first patrols conducted under this initiative were overseen by ground commanders, who will continue to engage at regular intervals to ensure the measures are upheld and to address emerging concerns. 

Verification Patrols to Confirm Compliance 

Verification patrols were also conducted as part of the disengagement terms, ensuring that both sides are adhering to the agreed distance and engagement limits. These verification patrols help build confidence and verify that troops are abiding by the conditions of the disengagement, reducing the possibility of inadvertent provocations that could reignite tensions.

Despite the recent patrol agreements, videos have surfaced on social media showing alleged confrontations between Indian and Chinese soldiers, purportedly depicting an incident where Indian Army personnel detained PLA soldiers within Indian territory. While these videos appear to show the Indian Army apprehending PLA personnel who may have crossed the LAC for reconnaissance, the date and authenticity of the videos remain unverified. While trying to get additional information about the videos, Republic learnt that the clips are from the Arunachal sector and are from around the same time when Galwan clash happened. Furthermore, the uniforms and terrain suggest they may have been recorded in the summer. However, the Indian Army has not officially verified the videos.

A Four-Year Standoff Following the Galwan Valley Clash 

The relationship between India and China has been strained since June 2020, when violent clashes erupted in the Galwan Valley, resulting in casualties on both sides and leading to increased military fortifications along the LAC. The standoff prompted a massive military buildup by both nations, with both sides deploying thousands of additional troops and heavy weaponry to the region, including to critical areas such as Pangong Tso, Hot Springs, and Gogra. 

Since the clash, the two countries have engaged in numerous rounds of talks at the diplomatic, military, and political levels to diffuse tensions. The process has been gradual and challenging, with occasional standstills, but recent agreements at Demchok and Depsang reflect a cautious optimism for long-term stability. Analysts see the weekly coordinated patrols as a structured way to ensure ongoing engagement and manage points of friction in real-time. 

Diplomatic Efforts Behind the Disengagement 

The recent patrols highlight the impact of high-level diplomatic and political discussions aimed at preventing future conflicts and re-establishing stability along the LAC. Indian and Chinese leaders have met on multiple occasions during international summits to reaffirm their commitment to dialogue and conflict prevention. This political commitment is supported by regular engagements between senior military officials who oversee the implementation of agreements on the ground. 

In a recent statement, a senior Indian defence official described the patrol agreement as “a crucial step toward lasting peace.” He emphasized the importance of “patience, consistency, and commitment” from both sides to make this a sustainable model for future military engagement in sensitive border areas. 

The establishment of weekly coordinated patrols in Demchok and Depsang is seen as a significant development for both India and China in terms of managing border stability and reducing the potential for accidental conflict. Defence experts believe that the patrol framework may serve as a model for de-escalation in other contested sectors along the LAC, though they stress the importance of consistent, transparent engagements to build and maintain trust.