Satellite Images Confirm Initial Steps in India-China Disengagement at Depsang and Demchok
A comparison with images from August 7 highlights this change, with the once-visible structure now dismantled in Friday’s snapshot.
New satellite images indicate that initial disengagement measures have begun in Depsang and Demchok, Eastern Ladakh, following a new patrolling agreement between India and China. The imagery, reviewed by *India Today* and captured on Friday, shows a decrease in structures at multiple key points, suggesting potential de-escalation in the prolonged border standoff as winter approaches.
Despite these signs of progress, significant structures from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) remain in the region, reflecting the extensive build-up during the standoff period. Both nations anticipate that the disengagement process could wrap up within the coming days. The satellite images, supplied by US-based Maxar Technologies, reveal active dismantling of structures and shelters in recent days.
In one of the most telling signs, an image of the Depsang area near Patrol Point 10 shows the removal of a large shelter that had been in place since the standoff began. A comparison with images from August 7 highlights this change, with the once-visible structure now dismantled in Friday’s snapshot.
Further south, additional images show shelter removals in Demchok between October 9 and October 25, consistent with the disengagement announcement. Other photos from Depsang reveal the relocation of structures and transport vehicles at military outposts.