Border Row: EAM Jaishankar Presses For Early Resolution Of All Outstanding Issues In Talks With Wang

India on Thursday (7 July) pressed China for an early resolution of all the outstanding issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar conveying to his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi the need for completing the disengagement process from the remaining friction points in the region.

At a one-hour meeting in Bali on the sidelines of a conclave of foreign ministers of the G20 nations, Jaishankar told Wang that the relationship between the two countries should be based on 'three mutuals' -- mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interests.

Jaishankar also reaffirmed the importance of 'fully abiding' by the bilateral agreements and protocols, and the understandings reached between him and Wang during their previous conversations, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The talks took place nearly three-and-a-half months after Wang visited India.

'Began my day in Bali by meeting FM Wang Yi of China. Discussion lasted one hour. Focused on specific outstanding issues in our bilateral relationship pertaining to the border situation. Also spoke about other matters including students and flights,' Jaishankar tweeted.

India has been pressing for quick disengagement of troops from all the remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh, insisting that peace and tranquillity along the border are prerequisite for progress in overall ties.

On the border row issue, MEA said in a statement: 'In this regard, both ministers affirmed that the military and diplomatic officials of the two sides should continue maintaining regular contact and looked forward to the next round of senior commanders' meeting at an early date.'

Jaishankar also discussed with Wang the vexed issue of the return of Indian students to China and the resumption of direct flights between the two countries.

Thousands of Indian students were unable to return to China for over two years due to Beijing's COVID-19 restrictions. India has been taking up this issue with China several times.

'The two ministers also exchanged perspectives on other regional and global developments. Foreign Minister Wang Yi appreciated India's support during China's BRICS Chairship this year and assured China's support for India's upcoming G20 and SCO Presidency. They agreed to remain in touch,' the MEA said.

However, both nations are yet to decide on the next round of military talks.

The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on 5 May 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas. The face-off escalated after the Galwan Valley clashes on 15 June 2020.

Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the LAC in the sensitive sector.

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