India, China agree to carry forward talks to resolve border dispute

New Delhi, Mar 12: India and China discussed resolving the existing border dispute along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) during the 15th round of Corp commanders level talks held on Friday.

A day after the nearly 13-hour meeting, the two sides in a joint statement on Saturday reaffirmed that such a resolution would help restore peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh and facilitate progress in bilateral relations.

"15th round China-India Corps Commander level meeting held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on Indian side on March 11. Two sides carried forward their discussions from previous round held on Jan 12 for resolution of relevant issues along LAC in Western Sector," said Indian Army spokesperson.

"They reaffirmed that such a resolution would help restore peace and tranquility along the LAC in Western Sector & facilitate progress in bilateral relations. The two sides also agreed to maintain the security and stability on ground in Western Sector in the interim," he said.

"They agreed to maintain dialogue via military and diplomatic channels to reach a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest," he further said.

Reportedly, India strongly pressed for early disengagement of troops in remaining friction points including resolution of pending issues in Depsang Bulge and Demchok.

The main focus of the talks was the completion of the stalled disengagement process in the Hot Springs (Patrolling Point-15) areas, they said.

The affirmation in the statement that resolution of the outstanding issues would facilitate progress in bilateral relations appeared to be a reflection of India's consistent position on overall ties between the two sides.

The eastern Ladakh border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas.

Both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry.

As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process last year in the north and south banks of the Pangong lake and in the Gogra area.

Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the LAC.