India, China To Continue To 'Sincerely Work' For Disengagement Along The LAC

NEW DELHI || Both India and China, the neighbouring countries who came face to face in Ladakh a few months back, leading to heavy casualties on both sides have vowed to continue to 'sincerely work' for complete disengagement along the LAC, an official of the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday.

The 18th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was held on Thursday. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (East Asia) from External Affairs Ministry. The Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs led the Chinese delegation.

Briefing media, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said the two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on the existing situation in the India-China border areas.

They reaffirmed that in accordance with the agreements reached between the two Foreign Ministers and the two special representatives, the two sides will continue to sincerely work towards complete disengagement of the troops along the Line of Actual Control in the Western Sector.

In this context they agreed to resolve the outstanding issues in an expeditious manner and in accordance with the existing agreements and protocols. The two sides were in agreement that restoration of peace and tranquillity in the border areas would be essential for the overall development of bilateral relations.

The two sides further acknowledged the need to maintain close communication through both the diplomatic and military channels so as to ensure complete disengagement. They also agreed to continue their ongoing engagements including through the meetings of the WMCC.