The United States has welcomed the recent easing of tensions along the India-China border, following the disengagement of troops by both countries along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, stated that the U.S. is closely monitoring developments and has been in discussion with India on the situation. “We are following these developments closely and understand that both countries have initiated steps to withdraw troops from friction points along the LAC. We welcome any reduction in border tensions,” Miller said during a press briefing. He added, “We have spoken to our Indian partners for an update, but the U.S. did not play any role in this resolution.”
The disengagement is underway in the Depsang and Demchok areas of eastern Ladakh, where hostilities have existed since April 2020, significantly straining India-China relations. Both countries have expressed a commitment to returning to the pre-2020 status quo.
Recently, the Chinese foreign ministry confirmed that the disengagement process is progressing as planned. Chinese spokesperson Lin Jian noted that the process is advancing “smoothly.”
On October 21, India announced a new agreement with China on patrolling protocols along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, signaling an end to the extended military standoff. This development followed a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit in Russia, where they expressed optimism over the new patrolling arrangements.
