October 30, 2024: Indian and Chinese military commanders are set to meet today at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the strategically important regions of Depsang and Demchok. This meeting aims to finalize disengagement efforts that have been in progress, a significant step towards restoring stability in the region.

During this crucial meeting, officials are expected to confirm the removal of temporary structures and vehicles from both locations, paving the way for the resumption of regular patrolling duties. This move follows the successful aerial verification conducted on Tuesday, where unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were deployed to ensure that all temporary installations had been dismantled and troops had withdrawn as planned in Depsang. Unfortunately, verification in Demchok was hampered by adverse weather, but officials are optimistic about completing the process today.

The recent developments come shortly after Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced on October 27 that India and China are poised to resume patrolling along the LAC in Ladakh, returning to the pre-standoff arrangements that existed in April 2020.

As of Tuesday evening, significant progress had been made with the complete removal of tents, temporary structures, and vehicles in both Depsang and Demchok. The meticulous execution of simultaneous disengagement and verification procedures marks a substantial advance toward a more stable situation along this sensitive border stretch.

Looking ahead, the next phase will initiate the resumption of patrolling, set to commence on October 31. Notably, joint patrolling will not be part of this arrangement; instead, Indian and Chinese soldiers will conduct their patrols separately. Although both nations may patrol the area on the same day, there will be a planned time gap to ensure that they do not operate in tandem.

Indian troops are expected to focus on five designated patrolling points in Depsang and two in Demchok. These patrols will serve as a final verification measure, assessing whether all temporary structures have been dismantled as part of the disengagement agreement.