Next round of talks between Army Commanders of India and China likely this week

The tenth round of Corps commander level talks between India and China lasted  16 hours at Moldo, on the Chinese side of Line of Actual Control (LAC) on February 24, as the discussion focused on further disengagement at three friction points in Eastern Ladakh, including Gogra heights, Hot Springs and Depsang plains. “India’s strategy and approach during disengagement talks with China are based on directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that we will not allow an inch of our territory to be taken by anyone. It is a result of our firm resolve that we have reached the situation of an agreement,” Defence Minister said during a session in Parliament earlier.

The 21st meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on border affairs concluded on 12 March 2021 with no signs of a breakthrough for disengagement from other areas along the LAC. Both the countries agreed that the agreement reached between the two Foreign Ministers in Moscow in September last year as also their recent phone conversation last month, should continue to guide the work of the two sides. They will also maintain close communication and dialogue through both the diplomatic and military channels and agreed to convene the 11th round of the Senior Commanders meeting at an early date to work towards complete disengagement from the remaining friction areas.

Following the diplomats meeting this month, next round (11th) of Corps Commanders level talks are likely to be held this week to discuss further disengagement from Gogra heights and Depsang plains, people familiar with the matter said. The two sides are expected to discuss the issue of disengagement from Gogra heights, Depsang Plains and CNC junction area near Demchok during the discussions.

To reach a mutually acceptable solution for complete disengagement from all friction points at the earliest, India and China have agreed to continue their dialogues as per the earlier talks and meetings, both at military and diplomatic levels.