New Delhi: India and China reached a mutual understanding to swiftly conduct their next round of military discussions to address persisting issues and accomplish complete disengagement in eastern Ladakh. Despite the absence of any pronounced breakthrough, both nations engaged in a productive diplomatic dialogue to explore resolutions for the remaining complexities.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the need for stability on the ground and the importance of preventing any adverse incidents. Emphasizing the significance of achieving their objectives, both countries agreed to convene the subsequent senior commanders’ meeting promptly.
Under the framework of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC), the virtual talks transpired. Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, led the Indian delegation, while the Chinese team was led by the director-general responsible for boundary and oceanic affairs in the Chinese foreign ministry.
The MEA underscored the comprehensive and transparent discussion conducted on measures to resolve outstanding issues and facilitate complete disengagement in eastern Ladakh. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to preserving peace and tranquillity along the border areas and preventing untoward incidents.
The statement released by the MEA also highlighted the continuous engagement through military and diplomatic channels, emphasizing the necessity of prompt senior commanders’ talks to achieve their shared objectives.
In previous military discussions held in October, India stressed the urgency in resolving pending matters at Depsang and Demchok. The border standoff initiated in eastern Ladakh on May 5, 2020, following a violent altercation in the Pangong lake area, leading to a prolonged faceoff between Indian and Chinese troops.
While certain friction points persisted in eastern Ladakh, disengagement from several areas occurred subsequent to extensive diplomatic and military negotiations. India has consistently stressed the necessity of peace in the border areas for normalized ties with China.
Despite the strained relations after clashes in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, subsequent rounds of talks in both military and diplomatic spheres led to disengagement at specific locations in 2021, fostering progress in easing tensions along the India-China border.