Pact with China adhering to timelines, govt tells LS

The government today told the Lok Sabha that patrolling arrangements with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh were without “prejudice to India’s position or the claim lines” along the boundary.

In a written reply to a question posed by Congress MP from Attingal in Kerala Adoor Prakash, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “The terms of the agreements apply mutually to both sides and are without prejudice to India’s positions on the LAC.”

The government had been keeping a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India’s security and taking all necessary measures to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the ministry said.

India and China had announced patrolling arrangements along the LAC in Depsang and Demchok on October 21, leading to disengagement. “It has been agreed that patrolling activities and grazing will resume… these will stay in force as per the longstanding practice prevailing before friction started in May 2020,” the MEA said. The ministry said the agreement had since been effected and implemented as per the agreed modalities and timelines.

Replying to another question by DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran, the MEA provided details of the meetings held between the Indian and Chinese leadership.