Canberra

India and China completed their latest disengagement on October 21, with the implementation process currently underway, according to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. He described this as a positive development during a joint press conference with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Canberra.

Jaishankar explained that this final round of agreements focused mainly on the patrolling rights of both nations. He expressed optimism, stating that the disengagement process is progressing well. He also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to further discussions between their national security advisors and foreign ministers.

Following a bilateral meeting at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, Modi emphasized the importance of India-China relations for both countries and for regional peace. India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh echoed this sentiment, highlighting ongoing diplomatic and military talks to resolve conflicts along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Singh noted that a mutual consensus has been reached regarding patrolling and grazing rights in traditional areas, indicating that the disengagement process is nearing completion.

The border tensions between India and China began in 2020 due to military actions by China in eastern Ladakh, which severely strained their relationship. However, both nations are now taking steps to implement agreements aimed at restoring peace along their border. The Chinese Embassy in India confirmed that troop withdrawals are proceeding smoothly.