New Delhi, August 21: Signaling a potential breakthrough in their long-standing disputes, the Indian and Chinese armies are engaged in marathon discussions to address pending issues in the Demchok and Depsang plains. This ongoing effort marks a positive step towards resolving the protracted standoff in Eastern Ladakh.
According to sources within the defense establishment, talks at the Major General level have been underway at Daulat Beg Oldie and Chushul since Friday morning. The discussions are intermittent, with breaks, and are focused on finding solutions to the unresolved matters.
Since the outbreak of tensions in Eastern Ladakh following Chinese aggression in 2020, the two sides have participated in 19 rounds of talks in an attempt to address the boundary issues. The current talks at the Major General level are a continuation of the dialogue initiated during the Corps Commander level meetings.
Representing India are Major General PK Mishra, the Commander of the Trishul Division, and Major General Hariharan, the Uniform Force Commander. Both officials are stationed at separate locations for the discussions.
The basis of these talks stems from the outcomes of the 19th round of Corps Commander-level discussions that took place on August 13 and 14 at the Chushul Moldo border meeting point.
Several legacy issues are being addressed in these talks, including the resumption of patrolling activities in the Depsang plains and the matter of Chinese military presence at the CNN junction.
For the past three years, India and China have been locked in a standoff situation, leading to strained relations at various levels due to the border tensions. The Eastern Ladakh sector has seen the deployment of over 50,000 troops from both countries along the Line of Actual Control.
Prior to the current talks, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval engaged in extensive discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Subsequently, the 19th round of corps commander talks was held, marking a resumption after a four-month hiatus.
