New Delhi - India and China have concluded their 19th round of Commander Level meetings over the span of two days, agreeing to address the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh promptly. In a joint press release from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), it was stated that both sides engaged in a positive and thorough discussion regarding the resolution of lingering issues in the Western Sector of the LAC. The Indian delegation emphasized resolving matters at Depsang and Demchok during these talks.
Guided by leadership directives, the discussions were open and forward-looking. The press release further emphasized the commitment to resolving remaining issues quickly and sustaining the momentum of dialogue and negotiations through both military and diplomatic channels.
The joint statement also outlined a commitment between India and China to uphold peace and tranquility on the ground in the border regions during these military discussions. Held at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on August 13-14, the talks aimed to address the ongoing military impasse that has persisted for the past three years, originating from China's attempts to alter the status quo on the Line of Actual Control in May 2020.
Similar to previous rounds, this latest meeting did not yield an immediate breakthrough, echoing the outcome of the 18th round of high-level talks on April 23. The 17th round of military talks took place on December 20, with both sides emphasizing open and constructive dialogues to resolve relevant issues and maintain security and stability in the region.
The establishment of Corps Commander-level talks was aimed at resolving the ongoing border standoff in eastern Ladakh. India has consistently asserted that normalizing its relationship with China hinges on achieving peace in the border areas.
The standoff initially erupted on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash near Pangong Lake, leading to a severe deterioration in bilateral ties and marking a significant military confrontation between the two nations in decades. Through a series of military and diplomatic negotiations, the two sides managed to complete the disengagement process in the Pangong lake's north and south banks, as well as in the Gogra area.