Aishwarya Rathore-
Published On: October 11, 2021 at 17:15 IST
The 13th round of talks between Indian and Chinese Military Commanders over the standoff in Eastern Ladakh did not result in a resolution of the remaining issues.
An Army Officer stated, “During the meeting, the Indian side made constructive suggestions for resolving the remaining areas but the Chinese side was not agreeable and also could not provide any forward-looking proposals. The meeting thus did not result in resolution of the remaining areas.“
The Officer further added, “The two sides have agreed to maintain communications and also to maintain stability on the ground. It is our expectation that the Chinese side will take into account the overall perspective of bilateral relations and will work towards early resolution of the remaining issues while fully abiding by bilateral agreements and protocols.”
China also signalled that the discussions had failed, with the Chinese Military’s Western Theater Command issuing a statement stating, “India insists on unreasonable and unrealistic demands, adding difficulties to the negotiations.”
It further stated China has made tremendous efforts to ease and cool down the border situation and fully demonstrated its sincerity.
The Corps Commander-level talks on the Chinese side of the Chushul-Moldo Border Point in Eastern Ladakh were primarily focused on completing the delayed disengagement at the Hot Springs area known as Patrolling Point 15 (PP-15).
The Gogra Agreement saw India and China back down from four of the six flashpoints, the others being Galwan and the north and south banks of Pangong Lake.
The standoffs at Depsang and Hot Springs are still underway.
India has insisted that the resolution of outstanding issues in all areas of dispute, particularly Depsang, is critical to the overall improvement of bilateral relations.
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