India and China have made a significant breakthrough in their diplomatic relations by resuming patrolling at key friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, specifically in Depsang and Demchok ¹. This agreement comes after years of military standoffs following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. The restoration of patrolling rights in these regions addresses long-standing “legacy issues” that predated the 2020 Chinese incursions.

Key Highlights of the Agreement:

• Restoration of Patrolling Rights: Indian troops will now be able to patrol up to Patrolling Points (PP) 10 to 13 in Depsang and Charding Nullah in Demchok ¹.
• Coordinated Patrolling Protocols: Both sides will patrol up to the old points along the LAC, with Indian patrols occurring twice a month, and the strength of each patrol consisting of 14-15 troops to avoid clashes ¹.
• Confidence-Building Measures: The pact aims to restore trust between the two countries through monthly commander-level meetings and case-specific talks ¹.

The Depsang Plains hold strategic importance due to its proximity to the Daulat Beg Oldie post near the Karakoram Pass in the north ¹. This agreement rekindles hopes for early restoration of diplomatic and bilateral political ties between India and China.

While agreements have been reached on Depsang and Demchok, friction points like Galwan Valley and Pangong Tso remain unchanged, with discussions regarding the eastern sectors, particularly sensitive areas in Arunachal Pradesh, still ongoing ¹.