Explained: India-China troop disengagement at Ladakh border 

The 12th round of talks between the commanders of the two forces on July 31 were described as constructive. The new round of meetings came after almost four months, prompted by an hour-long dialogue between S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, on July 14.

“The two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on resolution of remaining areas related to disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Western Sector of India-China border areas,” a joint statement issued by the two countries said.

“The two sides noted that this round of meeting was constructive, which further enhanced mutual understanding.”

It should be noted that the last time the commanders met, there was no joint statement.

According to sources, the two countries were close to reaching an agreement on troop disengagement in Gogra and Hot Springs in eastern Ladakh.

Hot Springs, also known as Kyam, is an Indian border patrol position in the Chang Chenmo River valley in Ladakh near the disputed border with China. The post got its name from the nearby hot springs. Gogra is another border patrol position in the nearby valley.

This is not the first time that Chinese troops have committed to disengaging from the patrol positions. More importantly, there has been no breakthrough on troop disengagement from the Chinese side on Depsang and Demchok areas, where Chinese troops have prevented Indian forces from reaching their established patrolling positions.