China, India initiate joint border patrols in disputed Ladakh region

Following the disengagement between India and China, Indian troops commenced patrolling the Demchok sector in eastern Ladakh on November 1.

This development comes after both nations agreed to disengage and initiate coordinated patrols in line with their understanding of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Demchok and Depsang sectors, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

According to Indian Army sources, patrolling in the Demchok area has begun today, with patrols in the Depsang sector expected to start soon. The coordinated patrolling will involve both sides being informed of each other's patrol schedules.

The armies of both countries exchanged sweets at various border points in the Ladakh sector to celebrate Diwali. This exchange took place at Hot Springs, Karakoram Pass, Daulat Beg Oldi, KongkLa, and the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point.

Ladakh MP Haji Hanifa expressed support for the disengagement between the Indian and Chinese armies along the LAC. "Those of us who live near the border know what war feels like. We desire peace along the border. We welcome the agreement between the two countries, but we want to see it implemented on the ground. Tensions along the border should be reduced through diplomatic means," he stated.

Earlier, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized that rebuilding trust along the LAC would be a gradual process aimed at restoring the April 2020 status quo. He highlighted the importance of disengagement, de-escalation, and buffer zone management in alleviating tensions. He further noted that the process would occur in phases, with each step designed to reduce conflict.

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong remarked that while it is natural for neighboring countries like India and China to have differences, the crucial factor is how these differences are managed and resolved.

Recently, India and China have reached an agreement on patrol arrangements along the LAC, following a border standoff that began in eastern Ladakh in 2020 due to Chinese military actions, which significantly strained relations between the two nations.

By Vafa Guliyeva