New satellite images reveal the beginning of disengagement in Depsang and Demchok

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Following the announcement of a new patrolling arrangement with China, satellite images reviewed by Bharath Janta confirm the initial stages of disengagement in the Depsang and Demchok regions of Eastern Ladakh. The recent images, captured on Friday, indicate a reduction in structures at several locations, marking potential progress in resolving the long-standing standoff in the Himalayas ahead of the winter season.

Despite the ongoing disengagement, substantial PLA infrastructure remains in place, highlighting the scale of their presence during the standoff. Both nations anticipate that the disengagement process will conclude in the coming days. Images provided by Maxar Technologies, a US-based firm, reveal significant dismantling of structures and shelters over recent days.

One of the most significant confirmations comes from Depsang, near Patrol Point 10, where a large shelter that had been in place since the standoff began was removed. Earlier images from August 7 showed the structure still intact, but by Friday, the site was flattened, indicating clear progress in the disengagement.

In Demchok, a comparison of satellite images from October 9 and October 25 shows the removal of shelters, consistent with the disengagement announcement. Likewise, images from Depsang depict that most of the structures at a military outpost, including large transport vehicles, have been moved since earlier captures of the same location.

These developments come after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the situation on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Russia, marking their first bilateral meeting since 2019.

The standoff, which began in May 2020, escalated into a deadly clash in the Galwan Valley in June, resulting in casualties on both sides. Since then, military negotiations have led to repositioning, partial troop withdrawals, and the establishment of buffer zones in areas like Galwan, Pangong Tso, and Gogra-Hot Springs. While these disengagements helped stabilize tensions, they also restricted patrolling in these buffer zones, leading experts to suggest that such arrangements might eventually benefit China’s territorial claims.

Depsang and Demchok were the last unresolved areas in the standoff. Although details of the recent agreement remain limited, officials confirmed it applies specifically to these regions, leaving previous disengagement agreements intact. According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, patrolling and grazing activities in Depsang and Demchok will return to their pre-2020 status.

Since the beginning of the standoff, Indian forces had been restricted near the ‘Y Junction’ in Depsang, blocking access to patrolling points (PPs) 10 to 13, marking India’s Line of Actual Control (LAC) claim. China has since constructed roads and semi-permanent posts in areas claimed by India in Depsang.

While no joint statement was issued, both nations released separate confirmations of the developments. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability along the border, stating, “Mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity should underpin our relationship.” Moving forward, both sides will monitor the situation in Depsang and Demchok, with soldiers coordinating patrols to prevent miscommunication.

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