India, China hold talks, agree to resolve remaining LAC issues

New Delhi, October 14

India and China on Friday held the 25th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) and reviewed the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the western sector.

The two sides agreed to continue discussions through diplomatic and military channels to resolve the remaining issues along the LAC at the earliest so as to create conditions for the restoration of normalcy in bilateral relations. To achieve the objective in accordance with the existing bilateral agreements and protocols, both sides agreed to hold the next (17th) round of senior commanders’ meeting at an early date, stated an MEA press release.

Recalling the developments since the last meeting of the WMCC in May, they welcomed the disengagement in the area of Gogra-Hot Springs (PP-15) that was carried out in a phased, coordinated and verified manner between September 8 and 12.

The two sides noted these steps reflected the understandings between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, including at their recent meeting in Bali in July. The Indian delegation was led by the Joint Secretary (East Asia) from the Ministry of External Affairs. The Director General of the Boundary & Oceanic Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs led the Chinese delegation.

Next meeting soon

• Both sides to continue talks through diplomatic and military channels
• Aim to resolve remaining issues along LAC at earliest for restoration of normalcy
• Agree to hold next round of senior commanders’ meeting at an early date