Defense Minister Rajnath Singh held “frank and in-depth” talks with his Chinese counterpart General Wei Fenghe on Friday about the border clash along the Royal Line of Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, as well. as on the relations between India and China. the government said Saturday.
Singh, the Defense Ministry statement said, categorically conveyed India’s position on developments along the Royal Line of Control (LAC), including the Galwan Valley in the western sector of the India-China border areas. in recent months.
Singh held the talks with Wei on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting.
This is what the statement from the Defense Ministry said:
• Singh, the statement said, emphasized that the actions of Chinese troops, including the accumulation of large numbers of troops, their aggressive behavior and attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo, violated bilateral agreements and did not conform to understandings. . reached between Special Representatives from two sides.
• Singh clearly stated that while Indian troops had always taken a very responsible approach to border management, at the same time there should also be no question about our determination to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India.
• Wei said that both sides should scrupulously implement the consensus reached between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping and continue to resolve issues through dialogue and consultation, strictly follow the various bilateral agreements, strengthen the regulation of first-rate troops. line and not take provocative actions. that could aggravate the situation.
• The two sides should focus on the overall situation of India-China relations and work together to reduce the situation as soon as possible and maintain peace and quiet in the border areas between India and China, Wei said according to the statement. The Chinese defense minister suggested that both sides should maintain communication at all levels, including between the two ministers, he added.
• Singh said that both sides should be guided by the consensus of the leaders that maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas between India and China is essential for the development of our bilateral relations and that the two sides should not allow differences turn into disputes. Accordingly, the two sides should resolve the current situation and outstanding issues in the border areas peacefully through dialogue.
• The Chinese Defense Minister, the statement said, conveyed that the Chinese side also wishes to resolve the issues peacefully. Singh cautioned that it was therefore important for the Chinese side to work with the Indian side to achieve complete disengagement as soon as possible of all areas of friction, including Pangong Lake, as well as reduction in border areas in accordance with bilateral agreements and protocols on the maintenance of peace and tranquility in border areas, strictly respect and observe the actual line of control and should not attempt to unilaterally change the status quo.
• Singh further said that the current situation should be handled responsibly and that neither party should take any additional action that could complicate the situation or aggravate the problems in the border areas. Singh conveyed that the two sides must continue their discussions, including through diplomatic and military channels, to ensure complete disengagement and reduction of escalation and full restoration of peace and tranquility throughout LAC as soon as possible.
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