LAC Standoff: No Resolution Of ‘Remaining Issues’ Yet After 19 Rounds Of India-China Talks

India-China Border Talks: Yet another round of military-level talks between India and China took place without making any headway on the issue of the military standoff in the Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The 19th round of talks between the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China was held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Indian side on August 13-14. 

The meeting got over late Monday night but the official statement was issued late Tuesday evening. 

“The two sides had a positive, constructive and in-depth discussion on the resolution of the remaining issues along the LAC in the Western Sector. In line with the guidance provided by the leadership, they exchanged views in an open and forward-looking manner,” said a joint press release by India and China.

The statement also said that both sides “agreed to resolve the remaining issues in an expeditious manner and maintain the momentum of dialogue and negotiations through military and diplomatic channels”.

“In the interim, the two sides agreed to maintain the peace and tranquillity on the ground in the border areas,” it added. 

During this round, one of the main priority areas for discussion between the Indian and Chinese commanders was issues concerning Depsang and Demchok sectors. 

Before this week’s meeting, the last round of corps commander-level talks was held in April 2023 when nothing significant was achieved other than the continuation of the dialogue. 

So far, troops on both sides have disengaged from Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Gogra (PP-17A) and Hot Springs (PP-15). 

However, speculations were rife that during the 19th round, both sides will come out with some resolution before Prime Narendra Modi welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping to India for the G-20 Leaders’ Summit, which will take place on September 9-10. Both leaders will also be present in Johannesburg, South Africa, for the BRICS Summit that will be held on August 22-24. 

Both leaders held a brief discussion on the LAC situation in Bali, Indonesia, during the last G-20 Summit. This was made official last month after National Security Advisor Ajay Doval met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. 

ALSO READ | India-China Modus Vivendi Is Over. From Indian Soldiers To Journalists, Beijing Has Spared None