India, China Reaffirm Stand On "Complete Disengagement" Of Troops Along LAC In Eastern Ladakh: MEA

As per the statement issued by the MEA, the diplomatic officials from India and China reaffirmed to ensure complete disengagement of the troops along the LAC for "full restoration" of peace and tranquility in the border areas in accordance with bilateral agreements and protocols.

Indian and Chinese Soldiers (Image: PTI)

India and China on Friday reaffirmed their stand on ensuring complete disengagement of their troops from the Eastern Ladakh sector after fresh round of diplomatic talks on the stand-off between the Asian neighbours over the border row was held on Friday in a bid to ensure "full restoration" of peace and tranquility along Line of Actual Control. Amidst the disengagement process which saw the Chinese troops pushing back upto 1.5-2 kms from the site of the Galwan Valley clash and along other strategic areas like Hot Springs and Gogra along the LAC axis in the Ladakh sector, fresh round of talks between the two nations was held on the back of India rejecting China's claim on the Galwan Valley. The diplomatic level talks between the senior officials of the two nations were held under the framework of Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs said. As per the statement issued by the MEA, the two sides reaffirmed to ensure complete disengagement of the troops along the LAC for "full restoration" of peace and tranquility in the border areas in accordance with bilateral agreements and protocols. "They also agreed that for the overall development of bilateral relations it was essential to maintain enduring peace and tranquility in the border areas," the MEA said in a statement. While the Indian delegation at the online talks was led by the Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs, the Chinese side was led by the Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Department in China's foreign ministry. "They reviewed the situation in the India-China border areas including the progress made in ongoing disengagement process along the LAC in the Western Sector," the MEA said. It said both sides agreed that it was necessary to sincerely implement the understandings reached between senior commanders.