Deadlock continues: No breakthrough In Round 14 Of India-China Border Talks

New Delhi: The 14th round India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Chinese side on Wednesday, January 12 did not fetch any agreement between both sides. A joint press statement released after the meeting mentioned that "both the sides have agreed that the next round of the Commanders' talks should be held at the earliest". China is building a bridge across Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh and India had strongly objected to the development. The latest round of the Corps Commander level meeting was held after that.

Representatives from the defence and foreign affairs establishments of both India and China were present at the meeting. "The two sides had a frank and in-depth exchange of views for the resolution of the relevant issues along the LAC in the Western Sector", the joint statement said. "They agreed that both sides should follow the guidance provided by the State Leaders and work for the resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest", it mentioned.

"It was noted that this would help in (the) restoration of peace and tranquillity along the LAC in the Western Sector and enable progress in bilateral relations", the joint statement said.

"The two sides also agreed to consolidate on the previous outcomes and take effective efforts to maintain the security and stability on the ground in the Western Sector including during winter", it noted further. The statement concluded that the two sides have agreed to stay in close contact and maintain dialogue via military and diplomatic channels and work out a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest. Also, the next round of the Commanders' talks should be held at the earliest.

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