New satellite images confirm initial disengagement in Depsang and Demchok
NEW DELHI,OCT 26 : Following the announcement of a new patrolling arrangement with China, satellite images reviewed by India Today confirm initial disengagement activities on the ground in Depsang and Demchok, Eastern Ladakh. The latest satellite images, taken on Friday, showed a reduction in structures at multiple locations, signalling a potential end to the prolonged standoff in the Himalayas ahead of winter.
However, substantial PLA structures still remain in the region, underscoring the scale of their presence during the standoff. Both sides expect the disengagement process to conclude within the next few days. Images from Friday, provided by US-based Maxar Technologies, show visible dismantling of structures and shelters over recent days.
Probably the biggest confirmation of the disengagement process is an image from the Depsang area near Patrol Point 10, where a large shelter that has been in existence since the standoff days was removed. Images of this location from August 7 show a large structure, whereas, the site was seen flattened in Friday’s imagery.
Down south, a comparison of images taken on October 9 and October 25 at another area in Demchok reveals the removal of shelters, corresponding with the disengagement announcement.
Similarly, Friday’s images from another point in Depsang reveal that most structures at a military outpost, including large transport vehicles, have been moved since an earlier image of the same location.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed these developments on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Russia, marking their first bilateral meeting since 2019.
The standoff began in May 2020, escalating to a violent clash in Galwan in June, resulting in casualties on both sides. Since then, military dialogues have led to troop repositioning, partial withdrawals, and buffer zones in Galwan, Pangong Tso, and Gogra-Hot Springs. While these disengagements have stabilized tensions, they also limited patrolling in the newly created buffer zones. Experts argue that creation of such buffer zones may benefit Chinese claims in the long run.
-PTI
