India, China hold Major General level talks to discuss finer details on resolving existing issues along LAC

The Indian side was represented at the two locations by Major General PK Mishra and Major General Hariharan—who are General Officer Commanding of the Trishul Division and a Rashtriya Rifles force which had moved to Ladakh in 2021 from J&K.

The talks, it is learnt, were aimed at chalking out a roadmap for resolution of the existing issues along the LAC such as Depsang Plains and Demchok while laying down the ground rules for patrolling and engagement.

“Various confidence building measures and ways to resolve issues in their respective areas of responsibility to avoid any future escalation were also part of the discussion,” a defence source said.

Sources said these talks will be followed up by respective brigade commanders and commanding officers on the ground.

As reported earlier by The Indian Express it was decided in the 19th round of military talks held last week to continue regular interaction at battalion levels and work out the finer details on the limit of patrolling along the LAC.

In the last meeting, it was decided that various confidence building measures would be continued to buffer zones till a decision on providing complete access to old patrolling points along the LAC is arrived at.

While there was no forward movement in the last talks, on the existing issues along the LAC, both sides had agreed to resolve them expeditiously.

A joint statement had said that both sides had agreed to resolve remaining issues in an expeditious manner while keeping up the momentum of dialogue and negotiations through military and diplomatic channels.

The meeting was held ahead of the BRICS Summit in South Africa where 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.