China pulls back troops at Galwan Valley by 1 km
Weeks after the violent clash at Galwan Valley, China's People's Liberation Army has withdrawn its troops by over one kilometer, news agency ANI reported citing sources. A buffer zone is said to have been constructed between Indian and Chinese troops. This development came after talks were held at the Corps Commander level. However, Chinese troops are still present in depth areas of Galwan river.
Context: Miffed by India's infrastructure push, PLA attacked Indian soldiers
To recall, India's infrastructure projects along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) were seen as trespassing by the Chinese. On June 15, defying the agreement reached by high-ranking officers, PLA attacked Indian soldiers. 20 soldiers, including the Commanding Officer of Bihar Regiment, were martyred. This was the first time in decades that China and India engaged in a bloody conflict at Galwan Valley.
Reportedly, three areas were in focus during disengagement talks
After the face-off, both sides sat for conversations. A report in WION said India and China spoke about three areas in Eastern Ladakh — Galwan valley's Patrol point 14, 15 and 17A, Hot springs, and Pangong Tso. PP14 is the area where the bloodbath happened. Both India and China have claimed the attack happened on "their side," labeling the other as an "aggressor."
India also pulled back troops without surrendering any territory
Meanwhile, multiple reports claimed India has also pulled back its troops from the tense area. However, this was done without giving up any bit of territory. This development comes three days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a surprise visit to Ladakh and addressed soldiers at the post in Nimu. He had said those who are weak can never engage in peace talks.
Modi referred to China as "expansionist," Beijing called it unfair
While mentioning the valor of soldiers, PM Modi also called China an expansionist, without explicitly taking the neighbor's name. "History is witness that expansionist forces have either lost or were forced to turn back," he had said. In response, China said it was wrong to see say that, while adding it had resolved border disputes with 12 of its 14 neighbors through talks.
Before PM's visit, senior officers talked for the third time
PM Modi's rousing speech sent two clear messages to China — one, that India stands with its soldiers and second, that New Delhi advocates peace. To note, his visit to the area came just a couple of days after Corps Commander-ranked officers sat for the third round of talks at Chushul in Ladakh. The Indian side was led by Lieutenant General Harinder Singh.
India sent a message that national security is paramount: Report
Despite the disengagement, Indian troops are being cautious since PLA soldiers are present in areas near Galwan river. Further, sources told ANI that India's responsible approach to the conflict was recognized globally. "Those invested in India-China relationship in Beijing are of the opinion that the present stand-off should be resolved. India has sent out a decisive message that national security is paramount," sources said.
