India and China complete disengagement at PP-17 Hot Springs in Eastern Ladakh

• The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has completed removing their tents, vehicles and troops from Patrolling Point 17 at Hot Springs in Eastern Ladakh.
  
• This completes the first phase of the disengagement plans agreed to by both sides during the military-level talks on June 30.
  
• India continues to keep a cautious eye out for the PLA not abiding by the phase-wise disengagement and de-escalation plans
  

The disengagement between India and China has been completed at Patrolling Point 17, the Hot Springs, in Eastern Ladakh. This completes the first phase of the disengagement plans agreed to by both sides during the military-level talks on June 30.


“A verification will happen tomorrow to completely assess the progress,” an officer told The Indian Express. He explained that the Indian Army won’t be patrolling until further orders com in.

China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is also thinning out along the Pangong Tso lake in Ladakh. They have cleared out along Finger 4 and moved to Finger 5. Any further disengagement on Finger 3 and Finger 4 along the upper reaches is a part of the second phase of disengagement.

Disengagement means that armoured vehicles are removed from the disputed areas. Tents are also taken down and troops move back.

Nonetheless, India continues to keep a cautious eye out for the PLA not abiding by the phase-wise disengagement and de-escalation plans. The army is looking out for any signs of the Chinese side stocking up on provision or building shelters for the winters. Officials told TOI that such activity could indicate the PLA wanting to settle in for the winter rather than disengage.

Disengagement between India and China to continue

“The situation along the border is stable and improving,” said China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian earlier today. “We hope India will work together with us to take concrete action and implement the consensus reached and jointly work for de-escalation along the border,” he added.

After the initial process of disengagement is completed at the stand off sites — Galwan Valley, the Gogra Post, Hot Springs and Pangong Tso — another meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) is likely to be held this week.

This will be followed by another round of talks at the level of the Corps Commander to finalise the next step of disengagement.