Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday pressed for the restoration of the status quo ante at all sticking points in eastern Ladakh during talks with his Chinese counterpart, General Wei Fenghe in Moscow, in the first contact face to face. Highest-level face between the two sides after the The border row broke out in Ladakh in early May.
The focus of the talks that lasted nearly two and a half hours was on ways to resolve the protracted border standoff, the sources said.
Defense Secretary Ajay Kumar and Indian Ambassador to Russia DB Venkatesh Varma were part of the Indian delegation in talks that began around 9:30 pm (IST) at a prominent hotel in Moscow, in the wake of from a request from General Wei.
“The meeting between Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh and Chinese Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe in Moscow ended. The meeting lasted 2 hours and 20 minutes, ”Singh’s office tweeted.
He met with Chinese Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe in Moscow. pic.twitter.com/Jex9gKCf98
– Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 4, 2020
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar has previously held telephone conversations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi about the border clash.
The sources said that the Indian delegation strongly opposed new attempts by the Chinese army to change the status quo on the southern shore of Lake Pangong in eastern Ladakh and insisted on resolving the clash through talks.
The Indian side wanted the restoration of the status quo ante at all sticking points in eastern Ladakh, the sources said.
Both Singh and Wei are in Moscow to attend a meeting of defense ministers from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) that took place earlier in the day.
Hours before the talks, Singh, in his speech at the SCO ministerial meeting, said that peace and security in the region require a climate of trust, non-aggression, peaceful resolution of differences and respect for international rules.
Singh’s comments in the presence of the Chinese defense minister were seen as a veiled message to China about the border line in eastern Ladakh.
In his speech, Singh referred to World War II and said his memories teach the world the “follies of aggression” from one state to another that brings “destruction” to everyone.
“The peaceful, stable and safe region of the SCO member states, which is home to more than 40% of the world’s population, requires a climate of trust and cooperation, non-aggression, respect for international rules and norms, sensitivity towards interests of others and resolution of differences, ”Singh said.
The meeting took place amid increased tension between the two countries sparked by new attempts by China to occupy Indian territory on the southern shore of Lake Pangong.
As both sides increased troop deployment to Ladakh, Army Chief of Staff Gen. MM Naravane, concluding a two-day visit to the region, said the situation along the Royal Line of Control (LAC ) is “tense” but added that the nation can count on the Indian army.
“The situation throughout LAC is tense. We have undertaken a preventive deployment in some areas. The troops are prepared for all contingencies that may arise. All these actions have been carried out only throughout LAC, ”he said after holding a series of meetings with senior army commanders.
On the other hand, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said that there will be no compromise on India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and stated that it cannot be “as usual” in bilateral relations unless there is peace and tranquility in border areas. At the same time, he said that India is open to solving outstanding issues through dialogue.
“This is one of the most serious challenges we have faced in many decades,” he said, adding, “we have not seen this magnitude of accumulation of forces on the border also in recent years.” Shringla spoke at an Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) webinar.
Meanwhile, the brigade commanders of the Indian and Chinese armies held a nearly three-hour interaction near Chushul, in eastern Ladakh, to explore ways to reduce tensions. The result of the interaction is not immediately known.
Three rounds of brigade commander-level talks between the two armies earlier this week were inconclusive.
Tensions flared again in eastern Ladakh after China unsuccessfully tried to occupy Indian territory on the southern shore of Lake Pangong five days ago, when the two sides engaged in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the long border row.
India occupied a series of strategic heights on the southern shore of Pangong Lake and strengthened its presence in the Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas in the region to thwart any Chinese action. China has strongly opposed India’s move. However, India has argued that strategic heights are on its LAC side.
India has also sent additional troops and weapons to the sensitive region following China’s transgression attempts.
Following new attempts by China to change the status quo on the southern shore of Lake Pangong, India has further strengthened its military presence in the region.
“It was very satisfying to see our soldiers and local commanders in high morale and good health. It gives me confidence that you are well prepared to safeguard the territorial integrity of our nation. The Indian Army is known for its commitment and determination, ”General Naravane said.
“We will continue to use all existing mechanisms to reduce tension and ensure that the status quo does not change unilaterally,” he added.
“During the last three months, both parties have made a commitment to resolve the situation. The military and diplomatic channels are working. The Indian side is firmly committed to resolving the current situation throughout LAC through compromise, ”General Naravane said.
In a statement, the Army said General Naravane interacted with local soldiers and commanders deployed in difficult high-altitude outpost areas. He said he appreciates the high morale and standards of professionalism exhibited by the units to safeguard the territorial integrity of the country.
The army chief was briefed on the general security scene by Lieutenant General YK Joshi, Commanding General Officer of the Northern Command, and Lieutenant General Harinder Singh, the commander of the 14th Corps based in Leh.
In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said at a press conference earlier in the day that on the remaining issues of history, such as the boundary issue, China always believes it will find a solution. fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable through peaceful consultation.
Tension between the two sides multiplied after violent clashes in the Galwan Valley, eastern Ladakh, on June 15, in which 20 members of the Indian army were killed. The Chinese side also suffered casualties, but has not yet released details. According to a US intelligence report, the death toll on the Chinese side was 35.
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