India and China are inching closer to further disengagement process at Ladakh, with progressive developments expected to be made at the Gogra and Hot Springs friction points in the upcoming round of Corps Commander level talks. Officials said there has been no attempt by the PLA to breach the agreement reached in February to withdraw troops from Pangong Tso.
The position of Indian troops has been for a comprehensive de-escalation of tensions in Eastern Ladakh that began in April last year after the Chinese army moved closer to 50,000 troops near the border and tried to breach the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
According to the sources, the Indian stance has been on disengagement at the flashpoints, primarily at Kong Kala (Gogra) and Shok Sala (Hot Spring), before moving on to a larger de-escalation that would involve moving back of additional troops, armour, and artillery from Eastern Ladakh.
Sources aware of developments said, “There are indications that the PLA wants to disengage from other areas as well (after Pangong). There are positive indicators for the (Corps Commander) meeting that will take place very soon.”
