LAC patrolling to resume, restoring pre-2020 status, after border breakthrough with China: Jaishankar
Mumbai: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday said that India and China are set to resume patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, restoring the arrangement to its status before the April 2020 border standoff.
"We are looking forward to reinstating the patrolling setup as it was before October 31, 2020, in areas such as Demchok and Depsang. This will, of course, take some time," Jaishankar stated during a press briefing in Mumbai.
He noted that the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on October 21 lifts restrictions on patrolling in Ladakh’s northernmost borders, especially in areas like Zabsang and Demchok.
“This agreement is a mutual decision between both nations to return to the 2020 patrolling arrangements,” he added.
The minister highlighted that the agreement aims to manage border activity effectively and reduce any chances of escalation, noting that prior tensions had seen heavily armed soldiers from both sides stationed in close proximity.
“There are still a few outstanding issues related to disengagement and patrolling,” Jaishankar commented, emphasizing that upcoming discussions will prioritize stability and sound border management.
On Saturday, Jaishankar acknowledged the role of India’s military and diplomatic teams in achieving this breakthrough with China, praising the Army for operating under “extraordinarily challenging conditions” to safeguard the country.
Following the agreement, both countries have initiated the disengagement of troops at the friction points in Demchok and the Depsang Plains in eastern Ladakh, with the process expected to be completed by October 28-29.
The current agreement specifically addresses these two points, while "discussions are ongoing" for other contested areas.
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