Indian, Chinese Troops Exchange Sweets Along LAC ON Diwali: IN PICS

Indian and Chinese troops exchanged sweets at several border points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the occasion of Diwali on Thursday, October 31. (Source: Indian Army)

The troops exchanged sweets at five Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) points along the LAC. (Source: Indian Army)

The traditional exchange took place a day after the two countries completed the process of disengagement at two friction points Demchok and Depsang Plains in Eastern Ladakh. (Source: Indian Army)

The disengagement was done as per the patrolling arrangement that was finalised by both sides on October 21, just ahead of a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. (Source: Indian Army)

The disengagement process began on October 21 and came to its conclusion on October 29 (Tuesday). Following this, a verification process was initiated on both sides. (Source: Indian Army)

Under the verification process, both Indian and Chinese troops checked whether they have returned to the positions as per the agreement at the LAC. (Source: Indian Army)

However, they are yet to commence patrolling, for which talks are underway between the local commanders, Indian Army sources said. The modalities for patrolling are decided amongst ground commanders at the level of Brigadiers or below. (Source: Indian Army)

India and China will now be focusing on de-escalation and de-induction of troops in order to ensure normalcy returns at the border. (Source: Indian Army)

During the recent talks between PM Modi and President Xi, which took place after a gap of five years, India had said, “mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual sensitivity” should be the pillar of the bilateral relationship between both countries. (Source: Indian Army)