LAC buffer zones may go; de-escalation unclear.

• India and China have reached an agreement for disengagement in eastern Ladakh, following a two-year stalemate over two remaining friction points, Depsang and Demchok.

• Defence sources confirm that patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in this sector will resume.

• The agreement allows for the restoration of patrolling as it was done in 2020, eliminating buffer zones set up after disengagement.

• The frequency of patrolling will be worked out and coordinated to avoid potential clashes.

• Despite the agreement, there has been no progress on de-escalation of the thousands of troops deployed in eastern Ladakh since the stand-off began.

• China has been blocking Indian patrols at Depsang plains by deliberately facing off, preventing access to the Patrolling Points (PP) 10, 11, 11A, 12 and 13.

• Both sides have undertaken disengagement from all friction areas, working out new patrolling norms, and deescalation, which involves pulling back the thousands of additional troops inducted along the LAC.