The government said on Friday that India and China had agreed to withdraw in eastern Ladakh’s Gogra region, restoring the Line of Actual Control in the area, in a major breakthrough following the latest round of discussions between the two neighbours.
The administration stated in a statement that all temporary buildings built since the dispute escalated last year had been demolished, detailing the progress achieved in ending the stalemate.
With the Gogra agreement, India and China have now conceded in four of the six flashpoints, including Galwan, the North and South Banks of Pangong Lake, and Galwan. Depsang and Hot Springs are still locked in a stalemate.
The Full Statement:
- As conveyed earlier this week, the twelfth round of talks between the Corps Commanders of India and China were held on 31 July 2021 at Chushul Moldo Meeting Point in Eastern Ladakh.
- The two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on resolution of remaining areas related to disengagement along the Line of Actual Control in the Western Sector of India-China border areas. As an outcome of the meeting, both sides agreed on disengagement in the area of Gogra. The troops in this area have been in a face-off situation since May last year.
- As per the agreement, both sides have ceased forward deployments in this area in a phased, coordinated and verified manner. The disengagement process was carried out over two days i.e. 04 and 05 August 2021. The troops of both sides are now in their respective permanent bases.
- All temporary structures and other allied infrastructure created in the area by both sides have been dismantled and mutually verified. The landform in the area has been restored by both sides to pre-stand off period.
- This agreement ensures that the LAC in this area will be strictly observed and respected by both sides, and that there is no unilateral change in status quo.
- With this one more sensitive area of face-off has been resolved. Both sides have expressed commitment to take the talks forward and resolve the remaining issues along the LAC in the Western Sector.
- The Indian Army along with ITBP is totally committed to ensure the sovereignty of the nation and maintain peace & tranquility along the LAC in the Western Sector.
