On Monday, the Indian Army took a big step: for the first time since 2020, they patrolled a tense border area with China. This is one of five disputed spots along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) where both sides clashed severely in 2020, leading to the death of several soldiers. After years of standoff, this patrol marks a potential turning point for peace between the two nations.
India and China have been in a military and diplomatic standoff for the past four years. But last month, on the eve of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to ease tensions. They decided to let troops return to patrols based on old agreements, signaling that both sides want to reduce friction.
On X (formerly Twitter), the Indian Army’s Fire and Fury Corps shared a positive update: “Following the agreement between India and China to restart patrols in Depsang and Demchok, today’s patrol in Depsang was a success. This is a big step forward in keeping the peace along the LAC.”
According to sources like The Hindu, this recent patrol reflects a new plan where both countries’ forces can access areas they used to patrol before the clashes in 2020. In regions like Demchok and Depsang, patrolling has officially restarted, allowing the Indian Army back into spots they last accessed in early 2020. But beyond these, other areas along the LAC are still in focus, including hotspots like Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso, Gogra, and Hot Springs.
Under the new guidelines, Indian and Chinese soldiers will avoid face-to-face encounters during patrols. Their movements will be timed and coordinated, making it less likely that misunderstandings turn into conflicts.
India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar confirmed that while disengagement is happening, both countries still face challenges. He noted that more detailed talks are planned between foreign ministers and national security advisers to strengthen the agreement.
In Kazan, during the BRICS summit, Modi and Xi emphasized the importance of handling disagreements carefully to keep things peaceful. Xi also added that India and China could be each other’s opportunities instead of threats. Both leaders encouraged more communication to manage issues calmly.
After years of tension, this patrol represents a step toward rebuilding trust. Now, all eyes are on how both nations will navigate the road ahead to maintain peace in one of the world’s most contested border areas.
