LAC Situation 'Stable But Sensitive': India-China Patrolling Resumes In Demchok And Depsang

The Ministry of Defence has provided an update on the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), describing it as "stable but sensitive" in a year-end review released on Thursday.

The statement comes after significant developments in India-China relations, including the resumption of Indian Army patrols in the traditionally contested areas of Demchok and Depsang in eastern Ladakh.

Photo Credit: PTI

Restoration of the Status Quo

After a prolonged hiatus of nearly four and a half years, the Indian Army resumed patrolling in these forward areas, restoring the ground situation to what it was before the India-China military standoff in April 2020. The resumption follows months of diplomatic and military negotiations between the two countries.

Disengagement and Consensus

According to the ministry, a major breakthrough was achieved on October 21, 2024, when both nations reached a broad consensus on restoring peace along the LAC. The agreement called for the disengagement and relocation of troops from friction areas like Depsang and Demchok, followed by joint verification.

The process of clearing "blocking positions" that hindered patrol activities has been completed by both sides. With this, the Indian Army has successfully resumed patrolling its traditional routes in these strategic areas, ensuring security and stability.

Positive Developments in Bilateral Relations

The disengagement began on October 23, 2024, two days after India and China announced a breakthrough in talks aimed at resolving the standoff in Ladakh’s last two flashpoints—Depsang and Demchok. This marked the end of a two-year impasse in negotiations, following the disengagement in the Gogra-Hot Springs area in September 2022.

The year has also seen increased cooperation between the two nations, including discussions on cross-border exchanges such as the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and border trade. The most recent diplomatic meeting took place on December 18, 2024, when India's National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held formal talks in Beijing for the first time in nearly five years.

Looking Ahead

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also engaged in discussions with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, in November 2024, underscoring the importance of de-escalating tensions and building greater trust between the two nations. As the situation along the LAC stabilizes, both countries remain committed to working together for continued peace and cooperation in the sensitive Ladakh region.

With the successful resumption of patrolling and the continued efforts to de-escalate, the year has ended on a more positive note in terms of India-China relations.