India-China thaw: Patrolling resumes along LAC, soldiers exchange sweets

The Indian and Chinese forces Thursday (Oct 31) resumed patrolling at two key friction points along their de-facto border, called Line of Actual Control (LAC). Indian troops began patrolling at the Demchok and Depsang plains a day after the disengagement process was completed on Oct 30.

The move marks a major thaw in a largely strained relationship over the past four years. The military standoff between the two Asian giants began in 2020 after bloody clashes in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley.

The two armies are also monitoring and verifying disengagement processes across the border, with patrolling operations now being coordinated. Both sides have dismantled temporary structures and ensured troop withdrawal from the difficult terrain ahead of brutal winters.

To maintain mutual trust and stability, local-level commander talks, involving brigadiers and officers of similar ranks, are expected to continue. According to media reports, both sides are figuring out patrolling modalities to prevent any misunderstandings, amidst a positive outlook from both New Delhi and Beijing.

India is celebrating Diwali today (Oct 31) and Indian soldiers along the LAC marked the festival by exchanging sweets with their Chinese counterparts.

In a statement released Thursday, the Chinese military lauded progress shown by both countries and appreciated the disengagement process. Zhang Xiaogang, the spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defence, said, “China and India have reached resolutions on the issues concerning the border areas through diplomatic and military channels”.

“The frontline troops of the two militaries are making progress in implementing resolutions in an orderly manner,” he added, echoing the Chinese foreign ministry’s comments on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday celebrated Diwali with Indian Army troops near the India-Pakistan border in the Western state of Gujarat.

The Indian leader vowed that his government would not compromise on even an inch of the country’s border.

“There is such a government in this country which would not compromise on even an inch of the country’s land,” PM Modi said.

“Keeping in mind the needs of the 21st century, today we are equipping our armies, our security forces, with modern resources. We are putting our Army in the league of the world’s most modern military forces. The basis of these efforts of ours is self-reliance in the defence sector,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)