India says maintenance of peace and tranquility in order areas is the basis of bilateral relationship with China

India on Thursday was unequivocal in its call for peace on border with China, saying disengagement on the Line of Actual Control “has not yet been completed” and that “the Chinese side will sincerely work with India for the complete disengagement, de-escalation and restoration of peace and tranquility in the border areas at the earliest.”

India made this statement in response to China’s remarks that border troops have disengaged in most localities in Eastern Ladakh.

On July 28, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin during a regular press briefing said, “As border troops have disengaged in most localities, the situation on the ground is de-escalating and the temperature is coming down.”

India and China are to hold next round of commander-level talks and issues related to PLA troops’ presence in the Pangong Lake area are expected to figure.

During the 17th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China border affairs on July 24, the two countries had reviewed the ongoing disengagement process along the LAC in the Western Sector.

In that meeting the two sides had “agreed that early and complete disengagement of the troops along the LAC and de-escalation from India-China border areas in accordance with bilateral agreement and protocols” was essential for smooth and overall development of bilateral relations.

Almost a week has passed since the WMCC meeting was held, Chinese troops are still present in the Pagong Tso Lake area with 40,000 troops. Conscious of the Chinese troops presence in this part of Eastern Ladakh, India has decided to stay alert and not lower its guard in India-China border areas at any cost.

Until the Chinese troops sincerely follow the agreement reached between the two sides during their military and diplomatic-level meetings, tension will continue to prevail on the LAC.

“We expect that the Chinese side will sincerely work with us for the complete disengagement, de-escalation and full restoration of peace and tranquility in the border areas at the earliest as agreed by two special representatives,” MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.