India is committed to respecting the Line of Actual Control but will not accept unilateral attempts to change the status quo

In view of Chinese troops’ continued presence in some friction points in Eastern Ladakh despite several rounds of senior commanders and diplomatic level talks between India and China, New Delhi today conveyed a strong message to Beijing by stating that “respecting and strictly abiding by the Line of Actual Control is the basis of peace and tranquillity in the border areas”.

While conducting weekly media briefing in a virtual format, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said several agreements concluded by India and China since 1993 firmly acknowledge this fact that both sides need to respect the LAC.

He said the conduct of Chinese forces this year, including the deployment of a large number of troops and changes in behaviour, accompanied by unjustified and untenable claims, has been in complete disregard to all the mutual agreements.

The MEA spokesperson said Indian side has made it clear that India is fully committed to observing and respecting the LAC, but it will not accept any unilateral attempts to change the status quo along the LAC.

The two sides have agreed during the conversation of the Special Representatives to work towards complete disengagement of the troops along the LAC and de-escalation from India-China border areas for full restoration of peace and tranquillity.

Both sides are engaged in discussions through the established diplomatic and military channels to achieve this objective expeditiously. The 4th round of the meeting of the Senior Commanders was held on 14th July, where they also discussed further steps to ensure complete disengagement.

The spokesperson said another meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs is also expected to be scheduled soon.

Anurag Srivastava said the maintenance of peace and tranquility in the border areas is the basis of the bilateral relationship.

He added India expects the Chinese side to sincerely work for complete disengagement and de-escalation and full restoration of peace and tranquility in the border areas at the earliest.