India and China have agreed to expeditiously defuse tension at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) by disengagement of troops from the flash points in Eastern Ladakh.  The two sides have also agreed to maintain stability on the ground.

These were the highlights of the meeting of the Corps Commanders at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the LAC on Friday. This was the 11th round of talks since the face-offs began in May last year. The meeting lasted for more than 12 hours.

In a statement issued here on Saturday, the Defence Ministry said the two sides had a detailed exchange of views for the resolution of the remaining issues related to disengagement along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh.

Both sides agreed to resolve outstanding issues in an expeditious manner in accordance with existing agreements and protocols. It was highlighted that completion of disengagement in other areas would pave the way for both sides to consider de-escalation of forces and ensure restoration of peace.

Both sides agreed that it was important to take guidance from their “leaders”, continue their communication and work towards a mutually acceptable resolution of remaining issues at earliest. 

The two commanders also agreed to “jointly maintain stability on the ground, avoid any new incidents and jointly maintain peace in the border areas.

The reference to border areas obviously meant Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang valley which still remain friction points.

The first breakthrough came in February when the troops of both the armies pulled back from the southern and northern banks of the Pangong Tso (lake) in Ladakh in a smooth and planned manner.