National Desk, 1st December: In a “constructive” diplomatic engagement, India and China deliberated on proposals to address remaining issues and achieve complete disengagement in eastern Ladakh. However, there are no indications of a breakthrough in the talks.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) disclosed that both nations agreed to expedite the disengagement process by scheduling the next round of senior commanders’ meetings “at the earliest.” The discussions took place virtually within the framework of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC). Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs, led the Indian delegation, while the Chinese team was headed by the director-general of boundary and oceanic affairs in the Chinese foreign ministry.
The comprehensive review of the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the western sector of the India-China border areas was a focal point of the talks. The MEA stated, “They further agreed on the need to maintain peace and tranquility along the border areas, ensure a stable situation on the ground, and avoid any untoward incident.”
While reaffirming the commitment to continue dialogue through military and diplomatic channels, the MEA emphasized the prompt scheduling of the next round of senior commanders’ meetings to achieve the specified objectives. In the October military talks, India pressed for the resolution of lingering issues at the friction points of Depsang and Demchok.