The Union Defense Minister said on Wednesday that no “meaningful solution” has emerged from the diplomatic and military talks with China to resolve the standoff on the Royal Line of Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh and that there is a “status quo”.
In an exclusive interview with ANI editor Smita Prakash, the defense minister said that if the status quo continues, there can be no reduction in troop deployment.
Rajnath Singh referred to the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) meeting on India-China Border Issues (WMCC) held practically earlier this month and said the next round of military talks can take place anywhere. moment.
“It is true that to reduce the confrontation between India and China, talks were taking place at the military and diplomatic level. But so far no success has been achieved. There will be a next round of talks at the military level that can take place at any time. But no significant results have come and there is a status quo, “he said.
“If there is a status quo, it is natural how implementation can be reduced. There will be no reduction in our deployment and I thought their deployment will not decrease either. I don’t think the status quo is a positive development at all. The talks are underway and result in a positive result, that is our expectation ”, he added.
He said hotline messages have been exchanged.
“On what issues will the talks take place, an exchange of messages between the two countries is taking place,” he said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs had said after the WMCC meeting on December 18 that both sides agreed to hold close consultations at the diplomatic and military level.
He said they agreed that the next (ninth) round of the senior commanders meeting should be held at an early date so that both sides can work towards the early and complete withdrawal of troops throughout LAC in accordance with bilateral agreements and protocols. existing, and fully restore peace and quiet.
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