Overview of Disengagement Progress

Recently, India’s External Affairs Minister announced that about 75% of the “disengagement problems” with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh have been “sorted out.” However, notable areas such as Demchok and the Depsang plains have seen no progress toward resolution over the past two years.

Recent Developments on India-China Disengagement

Verified Disengagement

India and China have mutually agreed to and verified disengagement from five friction points, including:

• Galwan Valley
• Pangong Tso
• Gogra-Hot Springs

Despite this, issues in Demchok and Depsang remain unresolved.

Diplomatic Efforts

Recent high-level diplomatic interactions have facilitated the disengagement along the LAC. Key meetings include:

• India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the BRICS NSAs meeting in St Petersburg, Russia.
• Anticipation for further disengagement is linked to the upcoming BRICS Summit in October in Kazan, Russia, where leaders from both nations are expected to meet.

Significance of Disengagement

The 31st meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was described as “frank, constructive, and forward-looking.” Participants urged both parties to “narrow down the differences” and “find early resolution of the outstanding issues.” The phrase "narrow down the differences" marks a hopeful shift in the dialogue surrounding the border standoff.

Strategic Importance of Depsang Plains and Demchok

Depsang Plains

The Depsang Plains hold strategic significance due to the following reasons:

• The People’s Liberation Army (PLA)’s control threatens India’s position over the Siachen Glacier, potentially encircling the Indian Army between China and Pakistan.
• A coordinated attack from both China and Pakistan would leave India’s military position on the Siachen Glacier vulnerable.
• The Indian Army identifies this region as particularly susceptible to mechanized warfare due to its flat terrain, which also offers direct access to Aksai Chin.

Demchok

Demchok is crucial for several reasons:

• It facilitates effective surveillance of Chinese movements and activities in the Aksai Chin region.
• It supports essential road and communication links that enable rapid military mobilization and logistical support.

Key Areas in the India-China Standoff

Pangong Lake Region

• This area frequently sees patrols from both India and China intersecting.
• The north bank of the lake is divided into eight "fingers," with India claiming territory up to Finger 8 and China disputing it down to Finger 4.

Demchok Region

• Recent reports indicated increased Chinese activity and heavy equipment movement.

Galwan River Basin

• Satellite imagery revealed Chinese tents near the Galwan River basin, suggesting incursions into traditionally held Indian territories.

Gogra Post

• A Chinese military buildup near the Gogra post has escalated tensions.

Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO)

• Chinese encroachments have been reported in the DBO sector, located on the Indian side.
• The DBO airstrip is critical for winter operations and reinforcements, accessible via the 255 km-long Darbuk-Shyok-DBO road.