India, China pull back troops from last two sites in Himalayan face-off

25/10/2024 16:06

        India and China have started pulling back troops from their final two face-to-face positions on the disputed Himalayan frontier, an Indian government source familiar with the matter said, heralding an end to a four-year military stand-off.
        
        The nuclear-armed neighbours struck a deal this week on patrolling the frontier, which paved the way for their leaders' first formal talks in five years in Russia.
        
        Following the deal on patrols, the source said on Friday, the troops of both sides had started withdrawing from the areas of Depsang and Demchok, the last remaining points where they had stood face-to-face.
        
        In Beijing, a foreign ministry spokesman said the withdrawal was proceeding smoothly.
        
        "According to the recently agreed solution between India and China ... their frontline armies are implementing relevant work, with smooth progress so far," Lin Jian said.
        
        Neither side has provided details of the new pact, which is expected to help improve political and business ties damaged by a deadly military clash in 2020.