India hopes that further discussion with China will help both sides move towards finding an acceptable solution for complete disengagement

India and China reviewed developments along the Line of Actual Control during the 20th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) on Friday. The last round of the WMCC was held on September 30.

During the meeting, the two sides agreed that based on the guidance provided by senior leaders and the agreements reached between the two Foreign Ministers and Special Representatives, they should continue to work towards ensuring complete disengagement in all friction points along the LAC in the Western Sector at the earliest.

The two sides noted that the 7th and 8th rounds of Senior Commanders meetings held on October 12 and November 6 respectively had in-depth discussions in this regard and that these discussions had also contributed to ensuring stability on the ground.

Both sides agreed to maintain close consultations at the diplomatic and military level.

They also agreed that the next (9th) round of Senior Commanders meeting should be held at an early date so that both sides can work towards early and complete disengagement of troops along the LAC in accordance with the existing bilateral agreements and protocols, and fully restore peace and tranquility.

At the meet, the Indian side was led by Joint Secretary (East Asia) from the Ministry of External Affairs, while the Chinese side was led by the Director General of the Department of Boundary and Oceanic Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.