new-delhi-narendra-modi-

NEW DELHI: Putting curtains to four years of skirmish in the borders, India and China reached a détente on Monday to withdraw troops from contested regions and agreed to restore patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Patrolling was suspended in April-May 2020.

Although the army was withdrawn, some area was made a buffer zone and patrolling was avoided. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are likely to meet during the BRICS summit in Russia on Tuesday. An official news in this regard is expected.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that the complete military withdrawal was agreed upon in diplomatic and military talks that have been going on for weeks. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi expressed good faith in the discussions.

Apart from India, China has border disputes with the Philippines, Vietnam, Japan, Nepal, Bhutan, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Tibet, Singapore, Brunei and Mongolia. This is the first time that China has agreed to withdraw troops from the border region of a foreign country.