New Delhi (NVI): Indian and Chinese officials today held diplomatic talks over the military standoff in eastern Ladakh and both sides agreed that they should handle the differences through “peaceful discussion”.
The meeting came a day ahead of the military-level talks between India and China over the recent border dispute between the troops of two nations that created tension on the Line of Control (LAC).
The talks were held through video conference between Naveen Srivastava, Joint Secretary (East Asia) and Wu Jianghao, Director General in Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The two sides reviewed the state of bilateral relations including the current developments, without naming the Ladakh standoff.
“In this context they recalled the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, that peaceful, stable and balanced relations between India and China will be a positive factor for stability in the current global situation,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
“Both sides also agreed that in accordance with the guidance provided by the leadership, the two sides should handle their differences through peaceful discussion bearing in mind the importance of respecting each other’s sensitivities, concerns and aspirations and not allow them to become disputes,” it added.
Apart from that, the two sides also exchanged views on the challenge posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and cooperation in various multilateral forums, the Ministry said.
For over a month, the Indian and Chinese troops are locked in a bitter military standoff in at least four areas in eastern Ladakh.
