NEW DELHI: Defense sources report that the disengagement of Indian and Chinese forces from the Depsang and Demchok areas in the eastern Ladakh sector is nearly complete. The withdrawal follows the demolition of temporary structures in these regions. The next step will be to resume patrolling, which was halted in 2020. Both sides have coordinated and monitored the disengagement process, with temporary structure removals and troop withdrawals verified using unmanned aerial vehicles.

Both nations have agreed to restore the status quo as of April 2020, limiting presence in the areas to patrol teams of 10-15 personnel. This disengagement agreement was reached shortly before the BRICS summit held last week in Kazan, Russia. The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the summit gave more energy to the proceedings. In the meeting that lasted around 50 minutes, both leaders agreed to resolve opinions, differences, and disputes, and to ensure peace at the border.