“Currently, blocking positions have been removed by both sides and joint verification has been completed. Patrolling activity has commenced to traditional patrolling areas in Depsang and Demchok,” the report said, adding that after prolonged negotiations at diplomatic and military levels, a broad consensus was achieved to restore the ground situation based on principles of equal and mutual security.
As reported earlier, all temporary structures in the disputed areas of eastern Ladakh have been removed by both sides following the agreement. New protocols for patrolling have also been established to ensure that opposing troops do not come face to face in the disputed areas. While disengagement at all border flashpoints in Ladakh has taken place, larger de-escalation with the withdrawal of over 50,000 troops by each side is still to be achieved. Large military formations were moved to Ladakh following a surprising Chinese move in 2020 to deploy soldiers to disputed areas in the middle of the Covid-19 crisis.
On a separate note, the report said that defence exports reached a record high of ₹21,083 crore, registering a growth of 32.5% over the last financial year. Almost 60% of these were done by the private sector.
During the year, the defence ministry signed 132 defence capital acquisition contracts, with 126 of them (or 95%) being with Indian vendors. The ministry also gave a go ahead for procurements worth ₹4.2 lakh crore by according 40 acceptance of necessity in the year.
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