Doval, Wang talks precede scaledown
BOX
Phased, step-wise approach
-Meetings of military commanders and diplomatic efforts to continue
-Consensus on respecting the LAC by avoiding any unilateral action
-The two sides agreed not to allow differences to become disputes
– The MEA described the conversation as ‘frank and in-depth’
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Tribune News ServiceNew Delhi, July 6
An in-depth conversation between the Special Representatives of India and China, Ajit Doval and Wang Yi, served as the precursor for the de-escalation and pullback of troops along the India-China border on Monday.
Agreeing on the need to ensure complete disengagement of the troops along the LAC and de-escalation in India-China border areas at the earliest, National Security Adviser Doval and State Councillor and Chinese FM Wang wanted both sides to ensure a phased and step-wise approach, according to a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement.
The phased de-escalation will continue to be discussed and reviewed by the existing mechanisms — on-ground meetings of military commanders and contact between diplomats. For this purpose, they mentioned that the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China border affairs (WMCC) be involved in implementing the understandings reached in a timely manner.
The MEA said the two leaders agreed on the need to expeditiously complete the ongoing disengagement process and wanted both sides to strictly respect and observe the LAC by avoiding any unilateral action to alter the status quo. It was agreed that diplomats and military commanders should work in tandem to avoid any incident in the future that could disturb peace and tranquillity in border areas.
It was also agreed that both sides should take guidance from the consensus reached by the two leaders that maintenance of peace and tranquility in border areas was essential for further boosting bilateral ties and that the two sides should not allow differences to become disputes.
The MEA described the conversation as “frank and in-depth” which will be continued in future to ensure “full and enduring restoration of peace and tranquillity’’ in the India-China border areas in accordance with the bilateral agreements and protocols.
