China commenced Friday its withdrawal of troops from its Himalaya border with India.
The two countries said earlier in the week both would pull back their security forces in a synchronized disengagement of front-line troops to ease border tensions.
India Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said Thursday both countries agreed to a phased withdrawal which involved the disengagement of troops along Pangong Lake. The countries have overlapping claims to the lake.
Both countries committed to moving troops to positions held before tensions escalated last year. This includes the dismantling of any military structures and infrastructures built since April. Both have agreed to cease patrols along the disputed border.
The agreement doesn't translate to the countries ceding any territory.
"We hope the India side will work with China to meet each other halfway, strictly implement the consensus reached between the two sides and ensure the smooth implementation of the disengagement process," China's Foreign Ministry representative Wang Wenbin said.
With the deescalation officials are hoping to continue discussions over friction points along the border. Singh said military officials from both countries would discuss issues during a meeting scheduled to take place this coming weekend.
Clashes between China and India border troops in June last year resulted in deaths on both sides. Both have amassed military forces and hardware along the 2,000-mile border.
The two countries fought a fourth war over the contested territories in 1962. Since then, there have been skirmishes and India has continually accused China of trying to gradually take control of the area.
