India and China reviewed the development along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh and agreed to continue work for complete disengagement at all friction points at the earliest, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday, reported PTI. 

The MEA said that India and China have agreed to maintain close consultations at diplomatic and military levels, adding that the next round of military talks will be held at an early date for an early and ‘complete disengagement’. 

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The two sides held 20th meeting of the Working Mechanisms for Consultation and Co-ordination (WMCC) on India-China border affairs on Friday. The MEA said that the two sides reviewed the developments along the LAC since the last round of the WMCC talks held on September 30. 

“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 would continue to work towards ensuring complete disengagement in all friction points along the LAC in the Western sector at the earliest,” the MEA said in a statement. 

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“They agreed that the next 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 tranquillity,” it added. 

Addressing a media briefing on Thursday, MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said the two sides have maintained communication through diplomatic and military channels, adding that these discussions have helped understand each other’s positions. 

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However, he did not confirm when the next round of talks will be held between India and China, saying, “It is our expectation that the further discussions will help both sides to achieve an agreement on a mutually acceptable solution for ensuring complete disengagement.”

India has deployed nearly 50,000 troops at a number of locations across eastern Ladakh in high combat-readiness as multiple rounds of talks have failed to yield concrete results. China has also stationed as many troops in the region, according to officials.  

The last rounds of military talks were held on November 6, wherein both sides discussed disengagement of troops from specific friction points.