New Delhi (NVI): India and China have agreed to push for an early disengagement of the frontline troops along Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh, according to a joint statement issued by the both sides today after the 9th round of corps commander level talks held on the Chinese side of the Moldo-Chushul border meeting point yesterday.
According to an official statement by the Ministry of Defence today, the two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on disengagement along the LAC in the western sector of China-India border areas.
“The two sides agreed that this round of meeting was positive, practical and constructive, which further enhanced mutual trust and understanding,” MoD said.
The two sides agreed to push for an early disengagement of the frontline troops. They also agreed to follow the important consensus of their state leaders, maintain the good momentum of dialogue and negotiation, and hold the 10th round of the Corps Commander Level Meeting at an early date to jointly advance de-escalation, the ministry said.
The two sides also agreed to continue their effective efforts in ensuring the restraint of the frontline troops, stabilize and control the situation along the LAC in the Western Sector of the China-India border, and jointly maintain peace and tranquility.
The joint statement comes amid reports that the Indian Army and Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) had engaged in a minor face-off along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) near Naku La area of North Sikkim on January 20.
The Naku La pass, located at an altitude of 19,000 feet, connects Sikkim to the Tibet region in China and is known to be a sensitive area.
India and China are engaged in a bitter stand-off for over eight months now and multiple rounds of diplomatic and military level talks have failed to break the deadlock or produce any major breakthrough.
-ARK
