External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has conveyed to his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, India’s protest in strongest terms on violent face-off in Galwan on 15th of this month. External Affairs Ministry said in a release that Dr Jaishankar and the Chinese Foreign Minister had a phone conversation on Wednesday afternoon on recent developments in Ladakh. Dr Jaishankar recalled that at the meeting of senior Military Commanders held on 6th June, an agreement was reached on de-escalation and disengagement along the Line of Actual Control.
Ground commanders were meeting regularly to implement this consensus throughout the last week. While there was some progress, the Chinese side sought to erect a structure in Galwan valley on Indian side of the LAC. While this became a source of dispute, the Chinese side took pre-meditated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties. It reflected an intent to change the facts on ground in violation of all agreements to not change the status quo.
Dr Jaishankar stressed that this unprecedented development will have a serious impact on the bilateral relationship. He said the need of the hour was for the Chinese side to reassess its actions and take corrective steps. The two sides should scrupulously and sincerely implement the understanding that was reached by the Senior Commanders on 6th June. The Minister said, troops of both sides should also abide by the bilateral agreements and protocols. They should strictly respect and observe the line of actual control and should not take any unilateral action to alter it.
The Chinese Foreign Minister on his part, conveyed the Chinese position on recent developments. They agreed that the overall situation would be handled in a responsible manner, and both sides would implement the disengagement understanding of 6 June sincerely. Neither side would take any action to escalate matters and instead, ensure peace and tranquility as per bilateral agreements and protocols.
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