India-China Breakthrough: Army Patrolling Resumes Amid De-Escalation At Ladakh Border

After over four years of a frozen, war-like standoff between India and China, significant progress has finally been made. Following 17 diplomatic-level meetings and 21 military border meetings, both nations have surprised the world with a joint declaration to resume Army patrolling on the tense frontier. This move marks a major step forward in the world's largest military standoff. The first phase will see disengagement from friction points at the Depsang Bulge and Demchok, where both armies have held long-standing advantages. Patrolling will resume in these areas, along with Galwan, Gogra-Hot Springs, and Pangong Lake, restoring the pre-2020 routines under new, agreed protocols. Following these steps, the two armies will de-escalate by pulling back war-ready equipment, including tanks, artillery, and missiles. The final phase will involve de-induction, where both sides return divisions to home bases, restoring the pre-crisis military presence. While this resolution won't instantly resolve all issues, it's a critical step toward de-escalation. However, mutual distrust and lessons from the standoff suggest a cautious approach. For India, military vigilance will remain a priority, even as diplomacy moves forward.