The 19th round of India-China corps commander level meeting was held on the Indian side of the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point. In the past, the rounds lasted only a day.
Some progress was made in resolving the two remaining border flashpoints at Depsang and Demchok, the statement said. “The two sides had a positive, constructive and in-depth discussion on the resolution of the remaining issues along LAC in the western sector,” it read. As in the past, the two sides agreed to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas as dialogue continues.
The statement also hinted that progress was made towards an early resolution. “They agreed to resolve the remaining issues in an expeditious manner and maintain the momentum of dialogue and negotiations through military and diplomatic channels,” it said.
In past rounds of talks, progress was made for disengagement of troops at several points, including Pangong Tso, the Galwan Valley and Hot springs. The two areas of concern that remain are Depsang, where Chinese troops have blocked Indian patrols by occupying a strategic feature, and Demchok, where tents have been pitched on what is perceived as the Indian side of LAC.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to take part in the Brics summit in South Africa later this month. The two leaders will also participate in the G20 summit in India next month. Bilateral ties have been strained since 2020, after deployed over 50,000 soldiers on the Ladakh border in the guise of a military exercise and carried out mass intrusions, prior to the Galwan clash. Besides moving troops to counter China, India cracked down on Chinese business in India, including several mobile phone manufacturers, besides blocking Chinese apps. During talks with his Chinese counterpart in April, defence minister Rajnath Singh had said that violation of border agreements had eroded the very basis of bilateral ties.