India-China: Patrolling Resumes Along LAC After Diwali Sweets Exchange, Rajnath Singh Emphasises Mutual Security

Indian and Chinese troops have resumed patrols along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh after more than four years, signifying a major reduction in border tensions that began with a violent confrontation in 2020.

On Thursday (31 October), soldiers from both sides conducted patrols in the Depsang and Damchok areas, notifying each other prior to the movement. This patrol comes a day after completing a mutual military disengagement under a recent patrolling agreement.

To mark the Diwali festival, troops also exchanged sweets at five points along the LAC, including Chushul Maldo and Daulat Beg Oldi. Patrolling had been suspended in these areas since the June 2020 clash in Galwan Valley, which led to the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers.

In Depsang, Indian forces will soon have access to patrolling points beyond the bottleneck where Chinese troops previously restricted entry. In Demchok, Indian troops are expected to patrol at Track Junction and Charding Nullah.

"India and China have been holding talks at both diplomatic and military levels to resolve the differences in some areas along the LAC. As a result of the talks, a broad consensus was developed on the basis of equal and mutual security," Defence Minister Rajnath Shing said.