Discussions continue on disengagement in the remaining areas along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh
India and China agreed to maintain “peace and tranquility” on the ground in the border areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh during the latest round of Corps Commander level talks held earlier this week. Both sides also agreed to continue communication through both military and diplomatic channels.
The 21st round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on February 19, 2024, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said while sharing information on Wednesday (February 21, 2024).
“The discussions built on the previous rounds, seeking complete disengagement in the remaining areas along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh as an essential basis for restoration of peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas,” it said.
According to the MEA, the two sides shared their perspectives on this in the talks held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere.
“The two sides have agreed to maintain communication on the way ahead through the relevant military and diplomatic mechanisms. They also committed to maintain peace and tranquility on the ground in the border areas in the interim,” the MEA added.
In June 2020, a tense standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in Eastern Ladakh had led to a violent face-off in the Galwan Valley. Twenty Indian soldiers had lost their lives. A large number of Chinese troops were also killed though China has never officially confirmed the actual number of deaths.
Multiple rounds of talks since then have led to a disengagement at several places, including in Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso, and Gogra-Hot Springs (PP-15). The last few rounds of Corps Commander-level talks have, however, seen no announcement of any fresh disengagement along the remaining friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Western Sector along the Eastern Ladakh region.