Introduction
Following the deadly Galwan clash of June 2020 and a prolonged standoff, India and China reached a breakthrough in late 2024: an agreement to resume patrolling in select friction zones and begin disengagement along the eastern Ladakh sector, signaling cautious thaw and recalibrated border engagement norms. However, emerging infrastructure build‑up and lingering mistrust continue to challenge the path toward lasting stability.
🛤️ 1. Disengagement and Patrol Agreement
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In October 2024, India and China finalized a LAC Patrol Agreement, enabling resumption of traditional patrols in Demchok and Depsang Plains, marking the first major diplomatic relief since the 2020 standoff.
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Subsequently, both sides began dismantling temporary structures and withdrawing troops. By end-October, around 40% of such structures had been removed under verification protocols.
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By late October, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed the disengagement process was nearly complete, calling it a first step toward de-escalation.
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🔄 2. Institutional Mechanisms & Ongoing Diplomatic Talks
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The Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) resumed activity in March 2025, revisiting outcomes from the 23rd Special Representatives meeting held in December 2024.
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At the 29th WMCC meeting in March 2024, both sides discussed the concept of “complete disengagement”, exploring restoration of pre-2020 ground positions and reaffirming principles from prior protocols.
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During the SCO summit, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged China to commit to a structured roadmap for "permanent resolution" through reviving established border mechanisms.
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⚠️ 3. De-Escalation vs Infrastructure Build-Up
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While local disengagement was achieved, China continues expanding military infrastructure—constructing high-altitude roads, tactical camps, and surveillance nodes across the LAC including in Arunachal Pradesh—raising concerns over strategic recalibration.
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Experts caution that despite patrol restoration, returning to the 2020 status quo ante fully may not be possible, given irreversible infrastructural deployments and enhanced logistics that shift strategic balance.
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Defence analysts emphasize that true peace requires not just disengagement but de-escalation and gradual de-induction—processes that may span years.
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📦 4. Status and Limitations
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India’s Foreign Secretary noted that disengagement has largely been limited to two critical friction zones, with other areas still under discussion. Patrol restoration is yet qualitative, not universal.
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The working pace remains incremental, and while military withdrawal is one facet, no formal accord on permanent boundary delimitation has been signed.
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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated that disengagement is only the initial phase, and further de-escalation will proceed only upon mutual confidence in behavior changes on the ground.
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📋 Summary Table
| Dimension | Status & Insight |
|---|---|
| Disengagement Areas | Depsang and Demchok completed; other sectors pending |
| Patrolling Restoration | Traditional patrols resumed at select friction points |
| Diplomatic Channels | WMCC & SR mechanisms active; SCO dialogue underway |
| Strategic Challenges | Chinese infrastructure build-up; irreversible military positions |
| Long-Term Resolution | No boundary delimitation yet; roadmap for permanent solution emerging |
🚀 5. Strategic Outlook & Road Ahead
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India seeks revitalization of established border mechanisms to facilitate trust-building and formal delimitation, even as both militaries maintain sizable deployments across the LAC.
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Experts warn patrol agreements are not a panacea—China's infrastructure upgrades suggest deeper strategic posturing, prompting India to bolster sensitivity along frontier areas and local readiness.
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Restoration of direct air connectivity and people-to-people exchanges underscores intent to normalize bilateral relations even as the border situation recalibrates.
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Conclusion
India and China’s October 2024 patrol pact and troop withdrawals mark a welcome diplomatic thaw amid one of the longest standoffs in recent memory. However, deep-rooted mistrust, enhanced infrastructure, and unresolved boundary issues mean that peace is fragile, not final. As talks resume through WMCC and Special Representative channels, the challenges of de-escalation and permanent demarcation remain.
True resolution will depend on rebuilding trust, dismantling forward presence, and evolving from churned negotiations into stable ground mechanisms. Until then, the LAC remains a strategic flashpoint against the backdrop of broader Sino-Indian recalibration.
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