LAC standoff: India, China agree to work towards complete disengagement

The talks were held under the framework of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China border affairs.

The MEA said the two sides reviewed the developments along the LAC since the last round of the WMCC talks held on September 30. The military standoff started in early May.

“The two sides agreed that based on the guidance provided by senior leaders and the agreements reached between the two Foreign Ministers and Special Representatives, they would continue to work towards ensuring complete disengagement in all friction points along the LAC in the Western sector at the earliest,” the MEA said in a statement. “The two sides noted that the seventh and eighth rounds of senior commanders meetings held on October 12 and November 6 respectively had in-depth discussions in this regard and that these discussions had also contributed to ensuring stability on the ground.”
It said both sides agreed to maintain close consultations at the diplomatic and military level.

“They agreed that the next round of senior commanders meeting should be held at an early date so that both sides can work towards early and complete disengagement of troops along the LAC in accordance with the existing bilateral agreements and protocols, and fully restore peace and tranquillity,” it said.

The talks came a day after India hoped that further discussions between the two countries will help to achieve an agreement on a mutually acceptable solution for ensuring complete disengagement at all friction points along the LAC in eastern Ladakh.

India and China have held several rounds of diplomatic and military talks in the last few months to resolve the standoff.

MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava Thursday said the two sides continue to maintain communication through diplomatic and military channels and these discussions have helped enhance understanding of each other’s positions. “It is our expectation that further talks will help both sides to achieve an agreement on a mutually acceptable solution for ensuring complete disengagement in all friction points…” he said.