India and China committed to reduce tensions along LAC

India and China have emphasized the need for an expeditious, phased and stepwise de-escalation as a priority along the Line of Actual Control. Both sides have been engaged in discussions through established military and diplomatic channels to address the situation. Commanders from People's Liberation Army (PLA) and Indian Army held a meeting at Chushul, on the Indian side yesterday for another round of talks.

This was the third senior Military Commander-level engagement to discuss issues related to disengagement at the face off sites along the LAC and de-escalation from the border areas. This is in keeping with the Agreement between External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart during their conversation on 17th June. Both the leaders agreed that the overall situation would be handled in a responsible manner and both sides would sincerely implement the disengagement understanding of 6th June.

The third meeting between



the Lieutenant General-level officers of both the countries yesterday was long and held in a businesslike manner keeping in view the COVID-19 protocols. The discussions reflected the commitment of both sides to reduce the tensions along the LAC. The process of dis-engagement along the LAC is complex and in such a context, speculative and unsubstantiated reports need to be avoided.

Sources say, more meetings are expected, both at the military and at the diplomatic level, in future, to arrive at mutually agreeable solutions and to ensure peace and tranquility along the LAC as per bilateral agreements and protocols.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to visit Ladakh tomorrow morning along with Army Chief General Manoj Naravane. He is expected to meet the brave hearts of the Indian Army who pushed back the Chinese forces during the face off which took place on 15th of last month in Galwan Valley.