China releases 10 Indian soldiers, talks on pull back by both armies likely soon

With the release of 10 Indian Army personnel who were in captivity of the Chinese army for three days, the dialogue between the two countries is expected to get back on track to discuss further disengagement at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh.

Ten Indian Army personnel, including four officers, were released by China on Thursday evening.

Over the last three days, discussions during the Major General-level talks revolved around release of the 10 Indian Army personnel who were held captive by the Chinese after the fierce clash in Galwan Valley. Twenty Indian Army personnel, including a commanding officer, were killed in action.

After the release on Thursday, no talks were scheduled for Friday, but a dialogue for further disengagement is likely to continue later, sources said.

On Thursday, the Army and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said no Indian army personnel were missing or not accounted for.

Since the brutal clash of June 15, the Major Generals of both armies met for three consecutive days to discuss the release of Indian Army soldiers. It is, however, not clear what led to Indians being taken in captivity by the Chinese.

While the 10 Indian army men returned to their units, the situation on the ground remains volatile as a troop build-up continues in Galwan Valley area and the Pangong Lake where a stand-off continues since May 5.

The ugliest clash took place on June 15 in Galwan Valley but there have been skirmishes at the north bank of the Pangong Lake where the Chinese have set up a camp at a point which was always under Indian control in a bid to change status quo.

India has been seeking restoration of status quo as of April-end before the stand-off began, but the Chinese have not retreated.