India-China 'Positively Affirmed'...: MEA On Implementation Of Border Truce

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Thursday that India and China have "positively affirmed" the successful implementation of their most recent disengagement agreement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This milestone marks the resolution of tensions that had emerged in 2020.

"The two sides have positively affirmed the implementation of the disengagement agreement, which has successfully addressed the issues that arose in 2020," the MEA stated in a press release, as reported by PTI.

On the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on October 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the importance of continuing dialogue under the Special Representatives (SR) mechanism. The two leaders reviewed the situation along the border and reflected on the lessons learned from the 2020 border clashes. It was aimed at preventing any recurrence of such tensions.

"In this context, both sides emphasized the importance of regular diplomatic and military exchanges through established mechanisms," the MEA added. "They agreed on the need for effective border management, ensuring peace and tranquility in accordance with the bilateral agreements, protocols, and understandings between the two governments."

Further underscoring the commitment to resolving border issues, the 32nd meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) took place in New Delhi on Thursday.

This key agreement was marked as the first successful resolution between the neighbours since the 2020 Galwan clash.

Quoting a source in the Indian Army, news agency ANI reported that troops from both sides would fall back to the positions held pre-April 2020 and continue to patrol areas.

ALSO READ| After Disengagement Along LAC, India-China To Work Towards De-Escalation | What We Know

As per External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, military disengagement will be the first step to reduce friction between the forces. The next step will focus on de-escalation.