Aim is to go beyond disengagement: Defence Minister on India-China border truce

Army sources on Wednesday confirmed that disengagement between Indian and Chinese forces in eastern Ladakh's Depsang and Demchok plains was completed, four years after continued tensions in the wake of the 2020 border skirmishes.

In Short

• Rajnath Singh emphasises equal and mutual security
• He says efforts will now be to move the matter beyond disengagement
• India, China troops to exchange sweets on Diwali after disengagement

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that India and China have continued talks to resolve conflicts in some areas of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, adding that now there was a broad consensus between the two neighbours to restore the situation on the ground which was in place before the 2020 border skirmishes.

The Union Minister's remarks came a day after Army sources confirmed that disengagement between Indian and Chinese forces in Depsang and Demchok plains, where tensions have persisted since the 2020 clashes, was completed, paving the way for a possible return to routine patrolling.

The sources told India Today on Wednesday evening that troops from the two sides will exchange sweets on Thursday on the occasion of Diwali,

The disengagement involved the withdrawal of troops, tents, and temporary structures.

Addressing the media in Tezpur, where he virtually inaugurated the Major Ralengnao 'Bob' Khating Museum of Valour in Tawang, Rajnath Singh said that the consensus between India and China was reached on the basis of "equal and mutual security".

"The consensus that has been reached also includes the rights of patrolling and grazing in traditional areas... Our efforts will be to move the matter beyond disengagement, but for that, we will have to wait a little longer," he added.

On October 21, India announced that it reached an agreement with China on patrolling along the LAC, marking a breakthrough in ending the over four-year-long military standoff, which began following the deadly clashes between the troops of both countries in June 2020 in Galwan Valley.

As part of a phased disengagement process, aerial verification was successfully completed over Depsang on Tuesday. By the evening, the area saw significant progress, with tents, temporary structures, and vehicles fully removed from both Depsang and Demchok.

Simultaneous disengagement and verification procedures were meticulously carried out, marking a substantial step toward restoring stability along this stretch of the LAC.

In his address, Rajnath Singh also paid tributes to Sardar Vallabhai Patel on the latter's birth anniversary today, acknowledging his instrumental role in unifying over 560 princely states post-independence, a feat that stands as a testament to his indomitable resolve and commitment to a unified India.

“This statue ‘Desh Ka Vallabh’ will inspire people, reminding them of the strength in unity and the unwavering spirit required to build a nation as diverse as ours,” he said.

"The kind of unity we get to see in India is amazing... Our efforts should be to maintain this speciality."

He also underscored the significance of unity and harmony, and the northeast region's unique role in the nation’s identity. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ensuring economic and infrastructure development of the entire region.

“Holistic development of the nation is possible only when the northeast prospers. We will create such a northeast which is strong and prosperous not only naturally and culturally but also economically,” he added.

Rajnath Singh further highlighted the crucial role of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in the progress of the region. He made a special mention of the Sela Tunnel linking Assam and Tawang, a project which enhances connectivity across the northeast.

“In the times to come, the Arunachal Frontier Highway project will play a major role in connecting the entire North East region, especially the border areas. This 2,000-km long highway will prove to be an important strategic & economic asset for the region as well as the entire nation,” he added.

While paying homage to Major Bob Khathing, an extraordinary figure who made invaluable contributions to the northeast region and national security, the Defence Minister said, "Khathing not only led the peaceful integration of Tawang into India but also established essential military and security frameworks, including the Sashastra Seema Bal, Nagaland Armed Police, and the Naga Regiment."

"The ‘Museum of Valour’ now stands as a tribute to his bravery and foresight, inspiring generations to come."