INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
In their recent meetings with their Chinese counterparts, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar built a
consensus with the Chinese side that there should be a quick and complete disengagement of troops along the Line of Actual Control, the
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, MEA Spokesperson said when Jaishankar met
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Moscow on September 10, the two foreign ministers reached an agreement which outlines the way
forward."This meeting followed the meeting that the two defence ministers (Rajnath Singh his Chinese counterpart) had in Moscow on September
There was consensus between the ministers of the two sides, during both the meetings, that there should be quick and complete disengagement
of troops from all friction areas along the LAC," the MEA said.The ministry said India and China should focus on easing tensions in the
friction areas by refraining from any actions that may lead to an escalation in the situation."This requires strict adherence to the
bilateral agreements and protocols, and not making unilateral attempts to change the status quo," it said.Reiterating Rajnath Singh's
statement made in Parliament on September 15, the MEA said India is "committed to a peaceful dialogue" with China, "including through
diplomatic and military channels".It said the Chinese side should sincerely work with India for complete disengagement at the earliest from
all friction areas, including Pangong Lake as well as de-escalation in border areas."We hope the Chinese side will strictly respect and
observe the Line of Actual Control and not make further attempts to unilaterally change the status quo," it said.Meanwhile, the Chinese
Foreign Ministry today said China has made its position very clear
"China's frontline troops have been observing the agreements reached between the two sides
The frontline troops are committed to safeguarding China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and also maintaining peace and tranquillity
in the border areas," the Chinese Foreign Minister said.He added that it is imperative for India to "immediately correct its mistakes,
realise disengagement on the ground and take concrete action to ease up tensions in the relevant areas"
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