India and China Exchange Sweets at Border to Mark Diwali
In a gesture of goodwill on the occasion of Diwali, troops from India and China exchanged sweets at several border points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on Thursday. This traditional practice followed the recent completion of troop disengagement at two friction points, Demchok and Depsang Plains, signaling a potential thaw in Sino-Indian relations.
According to Army sources, the sweet exchanges occurred at all five Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) points along the LAC, including Bum La and Wacha/Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh, Chushul-Moldo and Daulat Beg Oldi in Ladakh, and Nathu La in Sikkim.
The disengagement at the two friction points had been finalized just a day prior, allowing for a resumption of patrolling in those areas. The verification process post-disengagement is currently underway, with local ground commanders set to determine the specific patrolling modalities.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri indicated that the recent agreement was the result of extensive negotiations aimed at resolving tensions that have persisted since 2020. This agreement, focused on patrolling and disengagement, marks a significant step in reducing tensions in eastern Ladakh, particularly following the fierce clashes in the Galwan Valley in June 2020.
Historically, Indian and Chinese troops have exchanged sweets and greetings at border posts to commemorate festivals and significant occasions. As both nations work to stabilize relations, this Diwali celebration underscores a commitment to maintaining peace and goodwill along their shared border.
