De-escalation on both Indian and Chinese sides along the LAC in Ladakh has been noted since military talks were first held on June 6.
New Delhi, June 12:
Another round of military talks was held between commanders of the Indian and the Chinese Armies on Friday. The focus of these talks held at the level of Major Generals was de-escalation in the Galwan area, PP 14, PP 15 and 17A.
This was the fifth such discussion between military leaders of the two countries in an effort to seek peaceful resolution of the ongoing standoff at the Indo-China border in Ladakh. Several meetings have been held between Brigadier-level and Colonel-level commanders of both armies so far.
With respect to the Pangong Lake, discussions will be held at the Corps Commander-level later as the one held on June 6. “The talks are looking at a final resolution. Till the dialogue continues there will be no major changes on the ground,” a source told India Today.
The first such meeting was held at the Border Personnel Meeting Point in Maldo on the Chinese side, opposite Chushul. India was represented in this meet by 14 Corps Commander Lt General Harinder Singh.
Earlier on Friday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held another review meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and the three service chiefs. This was the second meeting this week chaired by the Defence Minister with the last such meeting held on June 8.
Sources said latest assessments on-ground situation are being done after military talks at the top commanders’-level tool place last week.
Earlier this year, India refused US President Donald Trump’s offer to mediate between the two countries. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have repeatedly maintained that the standoff will be resolved through established channels of communication between India and China, both diplomatic and military.
In fact, several hotlines have also been established between military leaders deployed on the Indo-China border to provide a clear line of communication between the two armies.
Tension escalated in Ladakh after a physical confrontation between Indian Army troops and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on May 5 at Pangong Tso lake. A military buildup on both sides followed the confrontation soon after along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
