Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that the disengagement process at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh is almost complete. He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Bob Khathing Museum in Assam’s Tezpur.

Singh said talks are ongoing at both diplomatic and military levels between New Delhi and Beijing to resolve conflicts in some areas along the LAC.

He added that after the last round of talks, both sides reached a broad consensus on restoring the basic situation.

“This consensus has developed on the basis of equal and mutual security. The agreement includes rights regarding patrolling and grazing in traditional areas. Based on this consensus, the process of disengagement is almost complete,” the Defense Minister was quoted as saying by ANI.

He added that it would take a little longer to move beyond disconnection. “We will strive to move beyond mere separation, but we will have to wait a little longer for that.”

His remarks came a day after the end of the clash between Indian and Chinese troops at the LAC. The disengagement process required the withdrawal of troops, tents and temporary structures. Aerial verification over Depsang was completed successfully on Tuesday.

By evening, tents, temporary structures and vehicles in Depsang and Demchok were completely removed. Also, Indian and Chinese soldiers will exchange sweets to celebrate Diwali on Thursday.

The development comes more than a week after India and China confirmed that both the countries had agreed to conduct patrols in the border areas at the LAC.

The border conflict between India and China started in eastern Ladakh along the LAC in 2020 due to the actions of the Chinese army. Following this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit.

Jinping and Modi said ties between India and China are important for the people of India and China and for regional and global peace and stability.