EAM Jaishankar meets Wang Yi says respecting LAC essential
- In Reports
- 08:36 PM, Jul 04, 2024
- Myind Staff
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, on July 4.
The discussions between the two leaders focused on resolving the ongoing border disputes between India and China, especially in the Ladakh region along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). During his meeting with Wang Yi, Jaishankar emphasised the need for an early resolution of the remaining issues in the border areas. Both ministers agreed to "redouble efforts through diplomatic and military channels" to find an early resolution to these issues.
"After the meeting, Jaishankar tweeted, 'Respecting the LAC and ensuring peace and tranquility in the border areas is essential. The three mutuals - mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest - will guide our bilateral ties.'"
"The border dispute in eastern Ladakh has persisted for five years since May. Tensions escalated in 2020 with deadly clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley sector. Since then, both sides have bolstered military presence in the region."
While India and China have withdrawn from some contested areas, several friction points along the LAC remain unresolved. Jaishankar has acknowledged that ongoing tensions at the border have not been beneficial for either country.
Foreign Minister Jaishankar arrived in Kazakhstan for the annual SCO summit on July 2nd and held discussions with his Kazakh counterpart Murat Nurtleu before the two-day meeting. They exchanged views on various topics, including India's growing involvement with Central Asia.
The SCO, consisting of India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, is a significant economic and security bloc that has become one of the largest transregional international organizations.
During the summit, leaders are anticipated to assess the organisation's activities over the past two decades and deliberate on the current state and future prospects of multilateral cooperation, as per the Ministry of External Affairs. The meeting is also expected to cover topical issues of regional and global significance.
Image Source: Hindustan Times
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