New Delhi: The Indian and Chinese military forces have resumed patrols at two contentious locations, Demchok and Depsang Plains in eastern Ladakh, following the completion of their disengagement process on Thursday.

Reports indicate that soldiers from both sides carried out these patrols after notifying each other, adhering to a recently established patrolling agreement. The operations are being coordinated with varying troop numbers and distances tailored to specific tasks, while verification of the disengagement continues.

As noted by India Today, discussions will persist at the local commander level, involving brigadiers and officers of equivalent ranks, to fine-tune patrolling procedures and resolve outstanding issues. Ground commanders are collaborating to establish secure patrol modalities to avoid any potential misunderstandings along the border.

On a cultural note, both sides exchanged sweets at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point in celebration of Diwali, though previous cultural programs have been suspended. A senior defense official remarked, “We are progressing toward normalizing relations, but we are not there yet. For now, it’s just a sweets exchange and initial patrols.”

Indian troops have commenced patrols at five points in Depsang and two in Demchok. “Troop strength will vary by location and task; it cannot be uniform across all patrol points. Both sides have agreed to notify each other prior to patrols to avoid conflicts, coordinated at the local commander level," another defense official stated, adding that no late-night patrols will take place.