India-China standoff: Disengagement complete at Galwan, some areas yet to be discussed.
India and China have been engaging in diplomatic and military dialogue to achieve de-escalation along the LAC in eastern Ladakh.
Eastern Ladakh where a violent face-off in Galwan Valley led to casualties on both sides in June has been engaging in diplomatic and military dialogues to achieve de-escalation on LAC.
Disengagement between Indian and Chinese troops at PP-15, 14, and 17A in eastern Ladakh is complete. This exercise was part of the de-escalation process initiated as a result of military and diplomatic dialogue between the two countries engaged in a bitter standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The complete disengagement has been achieved at Patrolling Point (PP) 15, more commonly known as Hot Springs, PP-14 (Galwan Valley) and PP-17A (Gogra).
Ongoing engagement&dialogue b/w India&China at military&diplomatic levels has resulted in complete disengagement at Patrolling Point 14, 15&17 A. Meeting b/w senior military commanders is expected in the coming week to further work out modalities of Pangong Tso lake area: Sources pic.twitter.com/uu8NhiGzrb
— ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2020
It is also being said that another Commander-level meet between India and China is likely to be held in the coming week. The main agenda of this meeting will be disengagement in Pangong in eastern Ladakh, the most contentious flashpoint along the LAC.
Chief of the Indian Army’s northern command, Lt General YK Joshi said that a process of disengagement is underway as a result of four rounds of Corps Commander meetings.
Both India and China have mobilized troops along the LAC in eastern Ladakh following disputes at flashpoints in the region dating back to May of this year. One such dispute turned deadly on the night of June 15 when 20 soldiers of the Indian Army were killed in a violent face-off along with an unidentified number of troops of the People’s Liberation Army.
Earlier in July, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval spoke to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the two discussed a strategic plan to ensure disengagement of troops at flashpoints along the LAC in eastern Ladakh. One of the key areas where the two countries are yet to reach a consensus is the finger area along the Pangong lake.