NEWS – India-China ink deal to address the unresolved military stand-off in specific regions of Ladakh

HIGHLIGHTS

Scope of the Agreement

• The deal applies specifically to Depsang and Demchok, where the military stand-off has persisted.
• The Indian Army will resume patrolling, and local farmers will regain access to grazing land.

Exclusions from the Deal

• The agreement does not lift the moratorium on patrolling in:
  • Galwan Valley
  • Pangong Tso (both northern and southern banks)
  • Gogra and Hot Springs
• These areas remain restricted under a pre-existing moratorium.

Background of the Stand-off

• Since April-May 2020, India and China have been engaged in a military stand-off in eastern Ladakh.
• While earlier negotiations led to disengagement in Galwan, Pangong Tso, Gogra, and Hot Springs, Depsang and Demchok remained unresolved.
• The deal set the stage for Modi’s bilateral meeting with President Xi, the first since the 2020 stand-off.
• Prior negotiations resulted in troop withdrawal from several points, but Depsang and Demchok remained a sticking point.

Patrolling Moratorium in Buffer Zones

• A three-kilometer buffer zone was created in Galwan Valley after a violent face-off in July 2020, restricting patrolling in that area.
• Patrolling Limitations:
  • Indian troops previously patrolled up to Finger 8 near Pangong Tso but stopped after clashes at Finger 4.