India and China have agreed to resolve issues along the LAC in an "expeditious manner".
In a significant development of the Indian China border row, India and China have agreed to resolve the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) “in an expeditious manner” after two days of talks between military commanders at Chushul.
The agreement took place in the 19th round of talks or round of India- China Corps Commander Level Meeting held on August 13 and 14 at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point, following which both sides released a joint statement on Tuesday.
“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," reads a press release by the Ministry of External Affairs.
“They 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 tranquility on the ground in the border areas," the statement added.
The Indian side for the talks was led by Lt. Gen. Rashim Bali, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Leh-based 14 Corps.
This border talks was a follow-up of the previous 18th round which took place in April, 2023.
As reported by The Hindu, since the Corps Commander level talks in 2020, the two sides have so far undertaken disengagement of military from five friction points – Galwan, North and South Banks of Pangong Tso, Patrolling Points (PP) 15 and 17A in the Gogra-Hot Springs area. The last few rounds of talks have stalled over disengagement from Depsang Plains and Demchok, with China insisting that they predate the 2020 standoff.
The meeting was held ahead of the BRICS Summit in South Africa scheduled to be held on August 22-24 where both the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will be present.
President Xi is scheduled to visit India for the G20 Summit next month in New Delhi on September 9 and 10.
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