India-China Relations: India-China Relations Returning to Normal? Beijing Confirms Troop Withdrawal from Line of Actual Control, LAC.
The long-standing tension along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China, persisting over the past five years, now appears to be easing, with China itself confirming the progress.
Reports suggest that the border standoff, especially at areas like Depsang and Demchok, is showing signs of resolution, as Indian and Chinese soldiers are reportedly stepping back, leading to a stabilization in relations. Beijing has also confirmed this, indicating that the process of withdrawing troops from border regions is ongoing.
At a recent media briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that, according to recent agreements, Chinese and Indian border troops are actively engaged in the withdrawal process, which, at present, is proceeding smoothly.
Adding to this development, a spokesperson from the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi shared this information on social media. Sources from the Indian Army note that this process of disengagement between the two countries might be completed by October 28-29, just before Diwali, although it could take longer depending on weather conditions.
During an event in Pune, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar praised the Indian Army’s role during the India-China standoff. He emphasized that India’s current position was achieved through the army’s steadfast defense of its ground and a firm stance in diplomacy.
Jaishankar noted that the army defended the nation under challenging conditions at the LAC, and diplomacy, too, played its part. He explained that since 2020, the situation at the border had been “very turbulent,” negatively impacting overall bilateral relations.
The External Affairs Minister further shared that since September 2020, India and China have been in talks regarding various aspects of a resolution, with troop withdrawal being the foremost priority. The proximity of both countries’ troops had heightened the risk of confrontation, but with a mutual reduction in deployments, tensions are gradually easing.
