New Delhi: India and China agreed Thursday to resolve outstanding issues in an ‘expeditious manner’ and in accordance with the existing agreements and protocols, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. This declaration came India and China held a fresh round of diplomatic talks to resolve the border standoff in eastern Ladakh.
MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said the two sides had a ‘candid and in-depth’ exchange of views on the existing situation on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Both sides reaffirmed to sincerely work towards complete disengagement of the troops in the western sector.
The virtual talks were held under the framework of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on border affairs.
“The two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on the existing situation in the India-China border areas,” Srivastava said at an online media briefing.
“They reaffirmed that in accordance with the agreements reached between the two foreign ministers and the two Special Representatives, the two sides will continue to sincerely work towards complete disengagement of the troops along the Line of Actual Control in the western sector. In this context, both sides agreed to resolve the outstanding issues in an expeditious manner and in accordance with the existing agreements and protocols,” said Srivastava.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had held a telephonic conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi June 17 during which both sides agreed that the overall situation would be handled in a responsible manner.
National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Wang held a nearly two-hour-long telephonic conversation July 5 on ways to resolve the border row.
The formal process of disengagement of troops began a day after Doval-Wang parleys. Both Doval and Wang are Special Representatives for boundary talks.
“The two sides further acknowledged the need to maintain close communication through both the diplomatic and military channels so as to ensure complete disengagement. In this regard, they also agreed to continue their ongoing engagements including through the meetings of the WMCC,” informed Srivastava.
According to a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the two sides positively evaluated the progress made in the disengagement of the front-line forces of the two countries, exchanged candid and in-depth views on the remaining issues on the ground, and enhanced mutual understanding.
