India and China have reached a significant agreement to de-escalate tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. The standoff, which began in May 2020 with heightened military activity, had strained bilateral ties between the two nations. Both sides now plan to revert to pre-2020 patrolling norms as part of the disengagement process, aiming to restore peace along the disputed border.
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that the disengagement would allow both nations to resume patrolling along agreed sectors of the LAC, facilitating a return to the previous status quo. He emphasized that normalizing relations with China hinges on resolving these border disputes. Similarly, Chinese Foreign Ministry representatives expressed optimism, affirming that the solution reflects ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the two countries through diplomatic and military channels.
Indian officials noted that prior disengagement efforts had resolved tensions in various friction points, such as the Galwan Valley and Pangong Lake. However, complete normalization had remained elusive, as some areas continued to see military buildup. With this new agreement, both nations have agreed to maintain stability and explore further ways to ease tensions.
