‘Clear signs’ of Chinese troops withdrawing from Galwan Valley: Indian govt sources

The Indian government sources said today there were "clear signs" that the Chinese soldiers have started pulling back from Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh, nearly three weeks after a violent standoff left 20 Indian soldiers dead there.

China's People's Liberation Army was seen removing tents and structures at patrolling point 14, the sources said, adding the movement of vehicles of Chinese troops back from the area was seen in the general area of Galwan and Gogra Hot Springs and that they are likely to move back more than a kilometre in the area.

The sources, however, also said it would not be possible to know immediately as to how far the Chinese troops are going back and that there will be clarity only after a proper verification process is conducted in this connection, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

The clashes in Galwan Valley had erupted when Indian troops strongly opposed the erection of a surveillance post by the Chinese side near patrolling point 14.

It could not be known immediately whether the de-escalation initiative between the two sides has also been started in the Pangong Tso area where the Chinese troops have significantly enhanced their presence, particularly in areas between Finger 4 and Finger 8.

On June 30, the Indian and Chinese armies held the third round of Lt General-level talks, during which both sides agreed on an "expeditious, phased and step wise" de-escalation as a "priority" to end the standoff.

The situation deteriorated following the Galwan Valley clashes as the two sides significantly bolstered their deployments in most areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

On Friday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a surprise visit to Ladakh, during which he said the "era of expansionism is over" and that the history is proof that "expansionists" have either lost or perished in what was seen as a strong message from New Delhi to Beijing.