The standoff between India and China in Eastern Ladakh began in May 2020 and has continued for several years without achieving disengagement and de-escalation.
Both countries have engaged in diplomatic, military, and political talks to resolve the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Disengagement has been undertaken at five friction points, including Galwan, Pangong Tso, Gogra-Hot Springs, and PP15.
However, disagreements remain regarding the Depsang Plains and Demchok areas.
India maintains that these are additional friction points, but China refuses to accept them as such.
Multiple rounds of talks have taken place at the Corps Commander and Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border affairs (WMCC) levels.
Both India and China have been undertaking massive infrastructure development and military buildup along the LAC
During the disengagement process, buffer zones were established at the friction points to prevent fresh flare-ups.
No patrolling is being conducted by either side until overall disengagement and de-escalation are achieved.
Verification through aerial monitoring using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and satellites is conducted regularly to ensure compliance.
Depsang is strategically important as it overlooks the Saltoro ridge and Siachen glacier, the world's highest battlefield.
The area is close to the Karakoram Pass and poses a threat to Indian positions and access to the Darbuk–Shyok–DBO Road DSDBO road.
The distance from the Limit of Patrol (LoP) to the LAC is the maximum in the Depsang area.
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