
India and China have started implementing a new agreement to end their prolonged military standoff along the disputed Himalayan border, marking a significant step toward resolving tensions that escalated following deadly clashes four years ago.
According to an Indian government source, troops stationed face-to-face in India’s Ladakh region in the western Himalayas have begun to withdraw, signaling the end of the standoff. The withdrawal process, which began on Wednesday, is expected to be completed by month’s end, as confirmed by a senior Indian Army official.
The recent agreement, established earlier in the week, set guidelines for patrolling the border. This understanding paved the way for the first formal talks in five years between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, held on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Russia. Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, confirmed that both sides’ armies are progressing smoothly with the agreed terms.
A New Delhi official, familiar with the details, said troops are retreating from the final standoff areas of Depsang and Demchok. As troops withdraw, they are dismantling temporary structures such as tents and huts and removing vehicles, returning the border to its state before the 2020 conflict began.
This agreement enables India and China to resume regular patrolling along the frontier. While India’s foreign ministry has yet to comment, the cautious optimism marks a shift toward rebuilding diplomatic and business ties damaged by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers.
In recent years, India and China pulled back from other flashpoints along the border, though the last withdrawal took place over two years ago. On Wednesday, Xi and Modi agreed to improve communication and cooperation to prevent future conflicts. However, Indian officials indicate that New Delhi remains cautious, taking measured steps to restore economic relations with Beijing due to lingering distrust.
Over the past four years, India restricted direct air links, banned hundreds of Chinese mobile apps, and imposed strict reviews on Chinese investments, halting major proposals from companies such as BYD and Great Wall Motors. While India may consider easing travel and visa processes in light of recent developments, it is not yet prepared to lift all restrictions on Chinese businesses.
The longstanding border dispute has been a source of friction since the two nations went to war in 1962. This recent border agreement offers a renewed opportunity for peace, though both nations remain vigilant about maintaining sovereignty and stability in the region.
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