Indian and Chinese military commanders agreed to peacefully resolve the current border issue in eastern Ladakh in accordance with bilateral pacts as well as the agreement reached between the leadership of the two countries, the External Affairs Ministry said on Sunday. The two sides held high-level military talks on Saturday in an attempt to resolve the month-long bitter standoff in mountainous eastern Ladakh.
While the Indian delegation was headed by Leh-based XIV Corps Commander Lt General Harinder Singh, the Chinese side was led by Maj Gen Lin Liu, Xinjiang military district chief. The meeting took place at the Chushul-Mondo Border Personnel Meeting point, which is on the Chinese side. The meeting was “inclusive” but in a “positive direction”, a senior military officer said, without giving further details.
“Both sides agreed to peacefully resolve the situation in the border areas in accordance with various bilateral agreements and keeping in view the agreement between the leaders that peace and tranquillity in the India-China border regions is essential for the overall development of bilateral relations,” the MEA said in a brief statement.
The military talks took place at the Border Personnel Meeting Point in Maldo on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control in Chushul sector.
“Both sides also noted that this year marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and agreed that an early resolution would contribute to the further development of the relationship,” the MEA said. “Accordingly, the two sides will continue the military and diplomatic engagements to resolve the situation and to ensure peace and tranquillity in the border areas,” it said.