New Delhi: India and China held another round of high-level talks to reduce tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. However, both sides are still far from achieving real progress in reducing their military presence on the ground.

The 23rd round of corps commander-level talks took place on October 25 at the Chushul-Moldo meeting point on the Indian side. Officials from both countries agreed to continue using military and diplomatic channels to keep peace along the border.

Even so, there has been little movement toward solving the remaining disputes in the Depsang Plains and Demchok areas. Both armies continue to stay positioned in the high mountains for the sixth winter since the standoff began in 2020.

Reports suggest that China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is still building new roads and shelters along the border. India, too, is strengthening its infrastructure and maintaining troops in forward areas to match China’s presence.

Officials say the talks were polite and professional, but trust between the two nations remains low. Each side has a different idea of what “de-escalation” should mean, which makes progress difficult.

According to international news agencies, both sides discussed ways to manage border tensions and promised to maintain peace and stability. However, experts believe that without any actual troop withdrawals, the situation is unlikely to change soon.

Analysts also note that while India and China continue to trade and cooperate in other areas, these positive steps have not yet built enough trust to reduce military tensions.

As winter approaches, both armies are preparing to keep their soldiers supplied in freezing conditions. Observers say the coming months will show whether the ongoing talks can move from discussion to real action.

For now, despite regular meetings and promises of peace, the situation on the ground remains the same  both sides continue to face each other across one of the world’s most challenging borders.