Indian and Chinese troops started withdrawing from the eastern border of Ladakh from Friday, October 25. Both armies have dismantled temporary tents and shacks at Demchok and Point Depsang in eastern Ladakh. Vehicles and military equipment were also recovered.
Following the announcement of new patrol arrangements with China, it is clear from satellite imagery so far that the ground disengagement process in Depsang and Demchok has begun. The latest satellite images taken on Friday showed a reduction in construction (temporary structures) in many places, suggesting the long-standing standoff in the Himalayas may be ending before winter sets in.
However, Chinese military structures remain in the area, suggesting that China carried out construction work there during the standoff. Both sides hope the disengagement process will be completed in the coming days. Friday’s photo, provided by US-based Maxar Technologies, shows temporary structures that have been demolished in recent days.
Also read: India, China dismantled 5 tents at LAC, many temporary structures also demolished, disengagement process begins
Perhaps the strongest confirmation of the disengagement process is a photograph of the Depsang area near Patrol Point 10, where temporary structures were erected during the standoff and have since been dismantled. In the photo taken on August 7, a large structure is visible, while in the photo taken on Friday, the area appears flat.
To the south, in another district of Demchok, a comparison of photos taken on October 9 and October 25 shows that permanent structures have been demolished, consistent with the disengagement announcement.
Likewise, photos taken from another area in Depsang on Friday showed that most of the temporary structures at the military post, including large transport vehicles, had been demolished.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the developments at the BRICS summit in Russia, their first bilateral meeting since 2019.
The confrontation that began in May 2020 escalated into violent clashes in Galwan in June, causing casualties on both sides. Military negotiations have since led to redeployments, partial withdrawals and the creation of buffer zones in Galwan, Pangong Tso and Gogra Hot Springs. While these disengagements stabilized tensions, they also limited patrols in the newly established buffer zone. Experts believe that establishing such a buffer zone could benefit China’s claims in the long run.
Also read: Tents, shacks and soldiers, everything will be dismantled… The two regions between India and China will complete disengagement by Diwali.
(Caption: Image: Google Earth, Landsat/Copernicus, Illustrated satellite image © 2024 Maxar Technologies, India Today)
Until recently, Depsang and Demchok remained unexplored areas. While details of the latest agreement are limited, officials have confirmed that it only covers the remaining districts, specifically Depsang and Demchok. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Tuesday that patrolling and herder-related activities in these areas would be restored to their original status by 2020.
Information about the evacuation of Depsang and Demchok came to light on 18 October. It is reported that from here on, the two armies will resume their original positions from April 2020. Additionally, she will patrol areas previously patrolled in April 2020. In addition, after the Galwan conflict between Indian and Chinese troops in 2020, Depsang and Demchok will continue to hold commander-level meetings.
