One of India’s best informed China experts says the disengagement currently taking place at Galwan, Hot Springs and Gogra in Ladakh is “a significant first step to defer imminent hostilities”. Jayadeva Ranade, the President of the Centre for China Analysis and Strategy and a former Additional Secretary (RAW) in the Cabinet Secretariat, says “the disengagement is tactical”. It is “not a resolution”. However, Mr. Ranade adds that if the situation is not skilfully handled it can still turn “to hostility and conflict”.