India, China agree on 'disengagement' at border

NEW DELHI, India

India and China have agreed on "disengagement" in the area of Gogra in the high altitude Himalayan region of Ladakh, where both countries have been in a face-off 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. Aug. 4, 5, 2021," Indian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Friday. "The troops of both sides are now in their respective permanent bases."

This came following the 12th round of talks between the corps commanders of the two countries last week.

India and China are face-to-face along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border between China and India in the disputed Ladakh.

The ministry statement noted 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."

It added that with this, one more "sensitive area of face-off" was resolved, and added that both sides have expressed commitment to take "the talks forward and resolve the remaining issues along the LAC."

At least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers were killed in a clash in June last year. Tensions eased due to several rounds of talks, and the two sides stepped back, but points of friction remain and full disengagement is yet to be reached.