In a significant development in eastern Ladakh, the resolve of approximately 50,000 Indian Army soldiers has begun to pay off, leading to positive changes in the ongoing standoff with Chinese forces. Since the violent altercation at Galwan in 2020, these troops have maintained their position against Chinese aggression, even amid harsh winter conditions.
Recent satellite imagery has confirmed that Chinese troops have retreated from the Depsang sector following recent agreements aimed at de-escalating tensions between India and China. The satellite images, taken in October, reveal that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has dismantled three of its military posts at the Y junction within the Depsang region and has pulled back its forces by approximately 20 kilometers.
This retreat aligns with a recent accord signed on October 21, which focused on patrol operations in the plains of Demchok and Depsang, outlining measures designed to mitigate friction along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). With the withdrawal of Chinese troops, Indian soldiers are now able to conduct routine patrols in the area more freely than before. The new military installations set up by China are reportedly situated away from the disputed zone and are considered temporary in nature.
Previously, China had obstructed Indian patrols and had fortified its military infrastructure in the region, contributing to the standoff. However, following this recent agreement, both armies are expected to operate in a manner consistent with the situation prior to April 2020, promoting an environment of stability.
Indian Army officials have personally inspected Patrol Points 10 through 13 to confirm the withdrawal of Chinese soldiers, heralding a return to normalcy in this strategically crucial area. Reports suggest that the resumption of patrols will also allow local shepherds to obtain permission for grazing activities, further indicating a thawing of relations and easing of restrictions.
The Indian government has emphasized its commitment to ensuring the right to patrol in the Y junction, an area that has long been a point of contention between the two nations. With this latest retreat by China, the Indian Army’s determination seems to have achieved a breakthrough, allowing for a newfound sense of operational freedom and stability along the LAC.
