NEW DELHI: With the LAC disengagement stalled for some weeks now, India and China held another round of diplomatic dialogue on Thursday to break the deadlock that has persisted because of Chinese reluctance to withdraw from certain areas in eastern Ladakh. The foreign ministry said both sides had agreed to sincerely work towards complete disengagement.
The Indian statement said the two sides had a “candid and indepth” exchange of views on the situation and agreed that restoration of peace in the border areas was essential for overall development of bilateral relations.
The MEA added that they agreed to resolve the outstanding issues in an expeditious manner and in accordance with the existing protocols. India had in the last meeting too emphasised on the need for expeditious and complete disengagement along the LAC. The special representatives, NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, had last spoken on July 5, after which there was disengagement in the Galwan and Gogra Hot Springs area but then it came to a halt.
The Chinese foreign ministry in its statement said India and China “positively evaluated the progress” made in the disengagement of troops, had a “frank and in-depth” exchange of views on remaining issues on the ground and enhanced “mutual understanding”.
“The two sides agreed to conscientiously implement the consensus reached between the two foreign ministers and the special representatives on China-India boundary question, continue to maintain dialogue and communication through military and diplomatic channels, further cool down the border situation, properly handle the remaining issues on the ground, and jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas,” the Chinese readout said.
This was the 18th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs.