India and China's 21st Corps Commander Talks Fail to Advance Disengagement in Eastern Ladakh

The 21st round of Corps Commander talks between India and China, conducted on Monday, did not achieve progress in further disengagement in eastern Ladakh, as reported by a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday. The MEA highlighted that the discussions, held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere, were an extension of previous rounds focusing on achieving "complete disengagement" in the remaining areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. The meeting took place at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on February 19, 2024, with an emphasis on complete disengagement as a crucial foundation for restoring peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas.

The MEA underscored that both sides shared their perspectives during the talks and agreed to maintain communication through relevant military and diplomatic channels. Additionally, they committed to upholding peace and tranquility on the ground in the border areas in the interim.

Addressing the situation on the northern borders with China, Army Chief Gen. Manoj Pande stated last month that the condition was "stable but sensitive." He emphasized ongoing dialogues to find a solution addressing the balance issues between the two sides. Gen. Pande noted the high operational preparedness and a robust and balanced deployment.

Since the standoff's initiation in eastern Ladakh in April 2020, India and China have deployed thousands of troops along the LAC. However, disengagement and de-escalation remain incomplete, leaving both sides with over 50,000 troops in the area.tranquillity