India on Sunday said talks with China on the Ladakh stand-off were positive and cordial and that it would continue military and diplomatic engagement on the issue. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said in recent weeks, India and China have maintained communications through established diplomatic and military channels to address the situation in areas along the India-China border. It said a meeting was held between the Corps Commander based in Leh and the Chinese Commander on Saturday in the Chushul-Moldo region. “It took place in a cordial and positive atmosphere. Both sides agreed to peacefully resolve the situation in the border areas in accordance with various bilateral agreements and keeping in view the agreement between the leaders that peace and tranquillity in the India-China border regions are essential for the overall development of bilateral relations”, the statement said. The two sides, it said, also noted that this year marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and agreed that an early resolution would contribute to the further development of the relationship. India and China will continue the military and diplomatic engagements to resolve the situation and to ensure peace and tranquillity in the border areas. Since early May, both sides have been locked in a bitter standoff around Pangong Tso in Galwan in Leh, with troops on either side of the Line of Actual Control. During the talks on Saturday, India sought restoration of status quo ante as on April this year, demolition of structures raised in the area by the Chinese and adherence to existing pacts. Source: The Tribune
