India-China Exchange Sweets on Diwali After Landmark Border Disengagement
Marking a significant step toward easing tensions, Indian and Chinese troops exchanged sweets at five locations along the Line of Actual Control on the occasion of Diwali, India’s festival of lights. This gesture followed the successful completion of military disengagement from the Depsang Plains and Demchok areas in eastern Ladakh—a development hailed as a breakthrough in normalizing bilateral relations.
The disengagement, finalized under an Oct 21 patrolling arrangement, saw troops from both nations withdrawing to their pre-April 2020 positions and dismantling temporary camps and infrastructure. The exchange of sweets took place at Chushul Maldo and Daulat Beg Oldi in Ladakh, Nathula in Sikkim, and Banchha and Bumla in Arunachal Pradesh, signaling a thaw in relations that had hit a historic low after the deadly Galwan Valley clashes in June 2020.
A Milestone in Restoring Trust
India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, called the disengagement a “major achievement” during an address to troops in Tezpur, Assam. “This is not a small development. After prolonged efforts, we have reached a consensus with China,” Singh remarked, crediting the dedication and bravery of India’s armed forces for the breakthrough.
The agreement marks the end of nearly four years of military standoffs triggered by violent skirmishes in the Pangong Lake and Galwan regions. The disengagement process is currently undergoing verification to ensure both sides have adhered to the terms of the agreement.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stressed that the normalization of ties depends on restoring trust, which had been severely undermined by China’s previous violations of written agreements. “De-escalation will not proceed until we are certain that Beijing has honored its commitments,” Jaishankar said, without offering a specific timeline.
Road to De-escalation and Border Management
Following disengagement, discussions will focus on de-escalation, border management, and ultimately, the normalization of bilateral relations. However, experts warn against rushing into full normalization, noting that China’s recent conciliatory moves may be influenced by its economic difficulties and internal challenges.
Concerns remain in areas such as Gogra-Hot Springs in Ladakh, where disengagement occurred last year but de-escalation is yet to be finalized. Additionally, China continues to hold substantial territory in the Depsang Plains, keeping tensions alive.
Diplomatic Optimism
Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong expressed optimism for improved relations following a significant meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Russia on Oct 23. “They reached many important understandings that will guide the development of relations between our two countries,” Xu said, highlighting hopes for resumed direct flights, enhanced trade, and cooperation in education and research.
Xu emphasized that sustained collaboration across various sectors could strengthen ties and foster regional stability. “Under the guidance of this consensus, our relations should progress smoothly without being restricted by specific disagreements,” he remarked.
A Delicate Path Forward
While the exchange of sweets and the disengagement deal symbolize progress, both nations acknowledge the need for cautious optimism. Military and diplomatic tensions over the past four years have deeply strained relations, and the restoration of trust will require continued commitment from both sides.
As the Diwali celebrations brought a moment of goodwill, the path to lasting peace and cooperation between the two Asian giants remains intricate, underscoring the importance of vigilance and sustained dialogue.
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