India-China Disengagement Nears Completion: Defence Minister

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that the disengagement process in eastern Ladakh's Line of Actual Control is nearing completion. This development follows diplomatic and military dialogue between India and China. The recent consensus aims to restore the ground situation and facilitate future agreements, marking significant progress in resolving the bilateral standoff.

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated on Thursday that the disengagement process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh is nearing completion. Speaking at the inauguration of the Bob Khathing Museum in Tezpur, Assam, Singh noted that discussions at diplomatic and military levels have built a broad consensus between India and China to restore conditions on the ground.

This agreement, which underscores equal and mutual security concerns, encompasses rights related to traditional patrolling and grazing areas. Singh emphasized that while disengagement is almost finalized, further progress will require patient and ongoing efforts. The announcement comes after both nations confirmed reaching an agreement on patrolling arrangements in the border areas.

The border standoff, initiated by Chinese military maneuvers in 2020, has significantly strained India-China relations. Recent diplomatic efforts included a vital meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking the first structured discussion between the leaders in five years. Both leaders highlighted the importance of bilateral ties for regional stability.

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong expressed hope for smooth bilateral ties, unhampered by specific disagreements. Singh also took the occasion to honor Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary, noting the significant yet undervalued contributions of India's first Home Minister in the country's unity.

During the event, Singh unveiled a statue of Patel and underscored the unity inherent in India's diversity, encouraging preservation of this harmonious specialty. He also highlighted the government's focus, under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, on economic and infrastructure development in the northeast.

(With inputs from agencies.)