The discussions built on previous rounds of talks, with India seeking complete disengagement in the remaining areas of contention on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as an essential basis for restoration of peace.
“The two sides shared their perspectives on this in the talks held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere. The two sides have agreed to maintain communication on the way ahead through the relevant military and diplomatic mechanisms. They also committed to maintain peace and tranquility on the ground in the border areas in the interim,” an official statement after the talks read.
Official sources said that a keen eye is being kept on the border as the possibility of a repeat of the 2020 border clashes remains present. They added that India is standing strong against aggressive moves by ‘a bully’ at every mountain pass and place of contention.
Support from the US has been of great help in countering China, primarily in the form of intelligence and situational awareness, they added. This collaboration is to be extended to the Indo-Pacific, including the Indian Ocean Region, where a potent threat is emerging from the Chinese Navy. Greater collaboration is needed particularly in the field of underwater domain awareness, they said.
The last round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting took place last October at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point in Ladakh. Over several days of talks – first at the Corps Commander level and then at the Major Gen level at DBO and Chushul – a detailed proposal for disengagement was discussed between the two sides. This included modalities for resumption of patrolling in the disputed areas, the depth of patrolling by both sides and the possibility of joint patrolling by troops in the future. Other areas that emerged as flashpoints during the 2020 crisis, including the Finger area at Pangong Tso, Galwan valley, Gogra, Kailash mountains and Hotsprings have already been de-escalated, with troops being moved away from frontline positions.
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