In a heartwarming gesture, Indian and Chinese troops exchanged sweets along several points of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the occasion of Diwali, marking a significant thaw in relations between the two nations. This exchange comes shortly after the completion of disengagement at two friction points in eastern Ladakh—Demchok and Depsang Plains—representing a hopeful step toward stabilizing Sino-Indian ties, which have been strained since 2020.
According to an Army source, the sweets exchange reflects a renewed spirit of collaboration following the recent disengagement agreement finalized on October 21, as announced by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in New Delhi. “Sweets exchange between members of the troops of India and China took place at several border points along the LAC on the occasion of Diwali,” the source stated.
This positive development comes after a prolonged period of negotiations aimed at resolving issues stemming from the 2020 standoff, particularly those related to patrolling and troop disengagement along the LAC. Relations between India and China deteriorated in April 2020 due to aggressive maneuvers by Chinese troops, culminating in the tragic Galwan Valley clash on June 15, 2020, which resulted in the death of 20 Indian soldiers.
As of Wednesday, the verification process following the disengagement is ongoing, with patrolling modalities to be determined between ground commanders. The exchange of sweets on Diwali serves as a beacon of hope for future peaceful interactions between the two nations, highlighting the potential for reconciliation and dialogue steeped in tradition. As talks continue at the local commander level, both sides seem optimistic about improving relations moving forward.
Sources By Agencies
