NEW DELHI, Nov 29: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told Parliament today that during his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit on November 18, the two sides discussed on the next steps in India-China relations.
They also agreed that a meeting of the Special Representatives and of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism will take place soon.
“Among the steps discussed were the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage, data sharing on trans-border rivers, direct flights between India and China and media exchanges,” EAM told the Lok Sabha in a written reply on the Impact of the BRICS Summit on Indo-China relations.
He said that during the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan on October 23, PM Modi “welcomed the agreement for complete disengagement and resolution of relevant issues that arose in 2020 in the India-China border areas. He underscored the importance of properly handling differences and disputes and not allowing them to disturb peace and tranquility in the border areas.
“China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Lin Jian during the regular press conference on 22nd October 2024 said “Over a recent period of time, China and India have reached resolutions on issues concerning the border area following close communication through diplomatic and military channels. China commends the progress made and will continue working with India for the sound implementation of these resolutions.”
“The readout of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping mentioned that “The two leaders commended the important progress the two sides had recently made through intensive communication on resolving the relevant issues in the border areas.”
“Government has regularly briefed the Parliament on the major milestones in resolution of issues and also released information through press releases and briefings?
“Government regularly takes up any transgression along the LAC with the Chinese side through established mechanisms including border personnel meetings, flag meetings, meetings of Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs, the recent India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting mechanism as well as through diplomatic channels.
“During the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan on 23 October 2024, it was agreed that relevant dialogue mechanisms at the level of Foreign Minister and other officials will be utilized to stabilize and rebuild bilateral relations.
“External Affairs Minister met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of G20 Summit on 18 November 2024. The discussions focused on the next steps in India-China relations.”
Separately, MoS of External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh told the Lok Sabha that India and China reached agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control in India-China border areas in Depsang and Demchok on October 21, leading to disengagement.
It has been agreed therein that patrolling activities and, wherever applicable, grazing will resume as per longstanding practice before friction started in these areas. The agreement has since been effected and implemented as per modalities and timelines agreed, the MoS said in reply to a question on Restrictions on Indian Patrolling in Ladakh.
“The terms of the disengagement agreements reached prior to 21 October 2024 continue to hold in relevant areas in Eastern Ladakh.
“The terms of the agreements apply mutually to both sides and are without prejudice to India’s positions on LAC or boundary lines.
“Government has regularly briefed Parliament on the major milestones in the resolution of these issues since the time of the friction in 2020…
“Government continues to keep a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India’s security and takes all the necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
(UNI)
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