After more than two months of a bitter standoff between India and China along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, both countries met for talks. After a 14-hour marathon meeting between Indian and Chinese military leaders, the two sides agreed on total disengagement from all flashpoints along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with the exception of finger area.
Earlier, it was reported that both India and China have agreed on total disengagement but top sources in the government now tells that the Chinese are showing reluctance in moving back completely out of the Pangong finger area. India, during the discussions, made it amply clear to China that anything short of complete retreat from both sides to their permanent locations Ante April-May, will be unacceptable. For now, both sides have decided to monitor and verify the disengagement process until July 21-22. Sources said Indian and Chinese commanders will verify mutual disengagement of frontline soldiers to ease tension.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has apprehensions that after its withdrawal, India might use its vantage points to gain a tactical edge in and around patrolling points 17 and 17A. The Chinese troops have, however, begun dismantling their temporary structures from ‘black top’ and ‘green top’ and China has agreed to disengage on all the other friction points.
During his interaction with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval had made it clear that both sides will have to move back to their permanent locations for resolution of the military build-up.
More rounds of talks are likely to be held for further de-escalation and ultimately de-induction of troops in the region, sources said, adding that the military talks are heading in a “positive direction”.
Since early May, India and China have caught in a massive standoff at various places along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. This resulted in massive military build-up on both sides, escalated tensions and soured relations.
The tensions rose further on June 15 when 20 Indian soldiers, including a Colonel-rank officer, were killed in a violent face-off with the Chinese troops in the strategically sensitive Galwan Valley. Though no bullet was fired, there were severe casualties on both sides. However, China is yet to revel details of its loss so far.
On Monday, India and China had the fourth round of Corps Commander-level meet to resolve the issue.
