India, China Begin Disengagement Of Troops In Ladakh

New Delhi: Indian and Chinese troops began disengaging from Gogra-Hotsprings border area in Ladakh on Thursday.

This follows the two countries reaching a consensus in the 16th round of India-China Corps Commander-level meeting, the Indian government said in a statement.

“On 8th September 2022, according to the consensus reached in the 16th round of India China Corps Commander Level Meeting, the Indian and Chinese troops in the area of Gogra-Hotsprings (PP-15) have begun to disengage in a coordinated and planned way, which is conducive to the peace and tranquility in the border areas,” the Defence ministry stated.

Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a standoff along the LAC in eastern Ladakh since May 2020.

The timing of Thursday’s statement is significant as Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are scheduled to attend a meeting in Uzbekistan next week.

The 16th round of India-China Corps Commander-level meeting was held in June, when both countries had agreed to maintain security and stability on the ground in Western Sector.