India and China have successfully completed their first round of coordinated patrols in the friction areas of Demchok and Depsang in eastern Ladakh, following the completion of disengagement in these regions. The two countries have agreed to carry out weekly coordinated patrols in these sensitive areas, where tensions have remained high since the Galwan Valley clash in 2020.

Patrolling is coordinated at the local level, with ground rules established through discussions between local commanders from both sides. The patrols serve as a verification of the disengagement process, and both nations have agreed to remove all temporary infrastructure from these areas.

The first coordinated patrol occurred in early November after the disengagement talks concluded in October. According to defence sources, one patrol is conducted by Indian troops, followed by one patrol by Chinese troops in each of the two locations.

To ensure lasting stability, discussions will continue between local commanders, including brigadiers and officers of equivalent ranks. These talks will focus on refining patrolling protocols and resolving any outstanding issues.

As part of the ongoing effort to maintain peaceful relations, Indian and Chinese troops also followed the tradition of exchanging sweets during Diwali on October 31. In a significant move, India announced on October 21 that it had reached an agreement with China on patrolling protocols along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), marking a breakthrough in resolving the more than four-year-long military standoff that began with the Galwan clashes in June 2020.