India and China engaged in fruitful dialogue: a joint statement on new negotiations on the eastern Ladakh dispute.
According to a joint statement released on Thursday, India and China held a new round of high-level military discussions on December 20 with the goal of addressing the lingering difficulties in eastern Ladakh.
In accordance with the directives granted by the leaders of the two countries to expedite the resolution of the outstanding concerns, the talks were described as “open and comprehensive.”
“The 17th round of the India-China Corps Commander level conference was held on December 20 at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Chinese side,” Arindam Bagchi, the Ministry of External Affairs’ spokeswoman, said during a press briefing, reading from the statement.
According to him, the two parties engaged in a “open and constructive” exchange of views toward the resolution of the pertinent issues along the LAC in the Western sector.
“They had a frank and in-depth discussion, consistent with the guidance provided by the state leaders to work for the resolution of the remaining issues as soon as possible, which would contribute to the restoration of peace and tranquilly along the LAC in the Western sector and allow for the advancement of bilateral relations,” the statement said.
The government refers to the region of eastern Ladakh as the Western sector.
In the interim, the parties have agreed to ensure security and stability on the ground in the Western area, according to the statement.
“The two sides agreed to remain in close communication, maintain dialogue through military and diplomatic channels, and work out as soon as possible a mutually acceptable conclusion to the outstanding concerns,” the document stated.
