NEW DELHI – India and China said they would withdraw their security forces along part of their disputed Himalayan border, a move that could help ease month-long tensions between the world’s two most populous countries.
Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh told lawmakers in parliament on Thursday that the two countries had agreed on a phased withdrawal around Pangong Lake, where they have overlapping claims.
Both sides have agreed that their security forces around the lake will gradually withdraw to the positions they held before border tensions flared up last year. The parties agreed that the temporary structures and infrastructure built since April would be removed and patrolling disputed areas would be suspended, Mr Singh said.
The movement of troops began Wednesday and will not result in the relinquishment of any land previously controlled by India, he said.
China on Wednesday announced a synchronized withdrawal of frontline troops from the north and south shores of the picturesque lake.