India and China are set to mark a significant milestone in their border dispute as troops complete phased disengagement in the eastern Ladakh regions of Demchok and Depsang. This progress, achieved after years of diplomatic and military negotiations, signals a partial return to pre-2020 status at these two crucial sites along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The successful verification of disengagement is expected over the next two days, offering Indian soldiers the opportunity to return to traditional patrol points (PPs) just in time for Diwali, symbolizing both strategic relief and festive spirit for Indian forces stationed in the high-altitude terrain.

Disengagement in Motion: Verification of Pullback Underway

Following the dismantling of temporary posts, sheds, and other structures by both sides, the disengagement has reached a critical phase of verification. Sources within India’s defence establishment revealed, “The plan now is to fully verify the mutual pullback over the next two days, both physically on the ground and through unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Coordinated patrolling by both sides will follow.”

The verification is a crucial aspect, as tactical commanders of the Indian Army will physically inspect designated PPs to confirm the full removal of Chinese blockades. Some of these PPs require extensive treks, taking six to eight hours to reach, underscoring the challenging terrain and logistical effort required. UAV surveillance will provide additional oversight, ensuring the pullback is comprehensive and secure, with the verification process set for completion by October 28-29.

Patrols Resume: Access Restored to Key Areas in Depsang and Demchok

With the pullback, the Indian Army plans to resume patrolling in both Depsang and Demchok by month’s end. Troops will notify the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of patrol movements to minimize the risk of accidental confrontations. Patrolling strength varies, with shorter-range patrols consisting of 10-15 soldiers and longer ones involving 20-25 personnel, depending on the assignment and distance.

Historically, Indian troops were blocked from certain PPs at the Y-junction or “Bottleneck” in the Depsang Plains, where PLA forces restricted Indian movement across five critical points, including PP10, PP11, PP12, and PP13. However, with the disengagement, Indian soldiers are now expected to regain full and unrestricted access to these traditional patrol sites. “Our troops should now get full and unrestricted access to our traditional patrolling points, where they were previously blocked,” an Indian source confirmed. In Demchok, Indian soldiers will similarly gain access to two PPs near the Charding Ninglung Nallah, a track junction south of the LAC. Additionally, Indian shepherds will be able to graze livestock in these areas, resuming activities that had been interrupted due to previous Chinese encroachments.

Road to De-Escalation: Years in the Making

The current disengagement agreement comes on the heels of extensive negotiations and high-level diplomacy. The breakthrough follows an announcement by Indian officials on October 21, revealing a phased pullback arrangement forged after rounds of talks with Chinese counterparts. This decision was further solidified in discussions on the sidelines of the recent BRICS summit in Russia, where Prime Minister Modi met with President Xi Jinping.

Notably, the disengagement in Depsang and Demchok does not create buffer zones like previous withdrawals in Galwan Valley, the north bank of Pangong Tso, and the Gogra-Hot Springs area. Past buffer zones varied from 3 km to 10 km in width, but India is now prioritizing restoring full patrolling rights in these regions, a shift that reflects India’s broader aim of unimpeded access across its territory. Talks are reportedly underway to address additional sensitive areas, such as the Yangtse, Asaphila, and Subansiri river valley in Arunachal Pradesh, though the timeline for resolutions in these regions remains uncertain.

Remaining Challenges: Full De-escalation Still Pending

While the disengagement in Depsang and Demchok marks significant progress, it does not represent a full de-escalation along the entire 3,488-km LAC from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. The original standoff began in April 2020 when PLA forces made coordinated incursions into eastern Ladakh, leading both sides to bolster their forward deployments with an estimated 100,000 troops each, along with artillery and armour assets.

Complete de-escalation would require a mutual agreement to thin out these forces across the LAC, a prospect that appears distant. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to reduce tensions, but the persistence of high-altitude deployments serves as a reminder that the disengagement process is only a partial relief in a broader and more complex standoff. While the current disengagement in Demchok and Depsang may restore pre-2020 positions at these points, India’s strategic command remains vigilant to prevent any further encroachments or provocations.

Strategic Importance of Depsang Plains and Demchok

The Depsang Plains hold critical strategic value due to their proximity to Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) and the Karakoram Pass in northern Ladakh. Indian forces at DBO represent a forward stance to safeguard access to the Siachen Glacier and Ladakh region. The PLA’s past blockade in the Depsang area, particularly at the Bottleneck, posed a security concern for India’s northern defenses.

The resolution in Demchok also holds symbolic importance, as Chinese forces had blocked Indian patrol teams from accessing the Charding La pass since 2017. In May 2020, the PLA had crossed the Charding Ninglung Nallah and established a temporary post, restricting Indian movement. With the latest agreement, Indian troops will regain access to these areas, resuming pre-2017 patrol activities and easing tensions at this southern Ladakh flashpoint.

A Diwali Gift for Indian Troops

As disengagement wraps up, the Indian soldiers stationed in the challenging terrains of Ladakh will have an additional reason to celebrate Diwali this year. The opportunity to return to traditional patrolling routes represents not only strategic freedom but also a morale boost for troops who have endured freezing winters and high-altitude deployments for years. This festive season, Indian forces will mark the festival of lights with a renewed sense of security and accomplishment, reflecting a Diwali unlike any other along the tense and rugged LAC.