Following the announcement of a new patrolling arrangement with China, satellite images reviewed by Bharath Janta confirm the early stages of disengagement in the Depsang and Demchok regions of Eastern Ladakh. The recent images, taken on Friday, show a reduction in structures at multiple locations, signaling potential progress in easing the long-standing standoff in the Himalayas as winter approaches.
Despite the ongoing disengagement, significant PLA infrastructure remains, underscoring the scale of their presence during the standoff. Both countries expect the disengagement process to be completed in the coming days. Satellite images from Maxar Technologies, a US-based firm, reveal considerable dismantling of structures and shelters over the past few days.
One notable development is in 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 standing, but by Friday, the site had been cleared, marking 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 plans. Additionally, images from Depsang indicate that most of the structures at a military outpost, including large transport vehicles, have been moved since earlier captures of the same area.
These developments follow a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS summit in Russia, their first bilateral talks since 2019.
The standoff, which began in May 2020, escalated into a deadly clash in the Galwan Valley in June, leading to casualties on both sides. Since then, military negotiations have resulted in 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 buffer zones, leading experts to suggest that these arrangements could ultimately benefit China’s territorial claims.
Depsang and Demchok were the last unresolved areas in the standoff. Although details of the recent agreement remain scarce, officials confirmed that it specifically applies to these regions, leaving previous disengagement agreements intact. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that patrolling and grazing activities in Depsang and Demchok will return to their pre-2020 status.
Since the start of the standoff, Indian forces have been restricted near the ‘Y Junction’ in Depsang, blocking access to patrol points (PPs) 10 to 13, which mark India’s claim to the Line of Actual Control (LAC). China has since built roads and semi-permanent posts in areas claimed by India in Depsang.
While no joint statement was issued, both nations confirmed the developments separately. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability along the border, stating, “Mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity should underpin our relationship.” Both sides will continue to monitor the situation in Depsang and Demchok, with soldiers coordinating patrols to prevent any miscommunication.