New Delhi (NVI): Amid a tense border situation in Ladakh, the Ministry of External Affairs today said that India hoped the Chinese side will strictly respect and observe the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and not make further attempts to “unilaterally change the change status quo”.
“The Chinese side should sincerely work with the Indian side for complete disengagement at the earliest from all friction areas including Pangong Lake as well as de-escalation in border areas in accordance with the bilateral agreements and protocols on maintenance of peace and tranquility in border areas,” MEA spokesman Anurag Srivastava said while addressing a press briefing here.
The MEA statement comes ahead of the Corps Commander-level talks between India and China to resolve a months-long crisis along the LAC in Ladakh.
Srivastava also recalled that there was consensus between the foreign ministers of both countries for a “quick and complete disengagement of troops” from all friction areas along the LAC. He was referring to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow on 10 September.
“The two Foreign Ministers reached an agreement which outlines the way forward. This meeting followed the meeting that the two Defence Ministers had in Moscow on 04 September,” he said.
“Both sides should, therefore, focus on easing tensions in the friction areas by refraining from any actions that may lead to an escalation in the situation. This requires strict adherence to the bilateral agreements and protocols and not making unilateral attempts to change the status quo,” the MEA spokesman added.
-ARK
