With disengagement along LAC almost over, India-China troops exchange sweet | In pics

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that the disengagement process along certain areas in the Line of Actual Control (LAC) was almost complete based on "broad consensus" between the nations on restoring ground conditions, including rights of patrolling and grazing in traditional areas.

Singh, who had to call off his journey to Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang, was speaking after virtually inaugurating the statue of Patel and museum from Assam's Tezpur.   

"Based on this consensus, the process of disengagement is almost complete. Our efforts will be to take the matter beyond disengagement; but for that, we will have to wait a little longer," he added.

The positive twist to the border tiff was reflected in the army camps along the LAC where troops exchanged sweets at several border points, including  Bum La and Wacha/Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh, Chushul-Moldo and Daulat Beg Oldi in Ladakh and Nathu La in Sikkim.

Both countries had completed troop disengagement at the two friction points at Demchok and Depsang Plains in eastern Ladakh, bringing a fresh thaw in the Sino-Indian ties. "Sweets exchange between members of the troops of India and China took place at several border points along the LAC on the occasion of Diwali," an Army source told PTI.

On Wednesday, the Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, hailed the new breakthrough in relations, stating that it was natural that India and China would have differences given their proximity. The key lies in managing and resolving these disagreements effectively, he added. 

Xu added that he was also "looking forward" to the resumption of direct flights between India and China. "Resuming direct flights would save time and money for everyone. I hope to fly back to Beijing directly soon, just like before 2020," he said.