India and China held talks at the Brigade Commander and Commanding Officer (CO) level in Eastern Ladakh on Monday, in the Galwan Valley and Hot Springs area, in a continuation of dialogue to resolve the ongoing crisis at the border. The meetings aimed at de-escalation at Patrolling Points (PP) 14 and 17A.
Also read: India, China Increase Military Presence Along LAC
Following the June 6 talks between 14 Corps commander Lt-General Harinder Singh and South Xinjiang Military District chief Major General Liu Lin along the LAC at Moldo-Chushul, army sources claim that “limited military disengagement” has taken place at some points in the Galwan Valley region (patrolling points 14 and 15) and Gogra-Hot Springs areas. There also has not been any face-off between the two sides since the talks began between the two armies.
On Saturday, Army chief General MM Naravane said that both sides are “disengaging in a phased manner”. He added that discussions between the two sides have been “very fruitful” and that “the situation will keep improving as we go on”.
Also read: India and China Pull Back Troops From Three Key Areas in Eastern Ladakh
However, there has been no change in the massive build-up on the Chinese side, which has not only increased troop presence, but has also deployed fighter bombers, rocket forces, air defense radars, and jammers. The Indian Express reported government sources saying that the army had been authorized to deploy “as per needs and situations without looking towards Delhi”. Sources added that India’s display of military strength, rather than aggression would be crucial in getting China to “come to the talking table”.
Also read: PLA Keeps Up Pressure on LAC Amid Border Tensions with India
Until now, both countries have engaged in five rounds of talks at the Major General level, two of which took place last week after the June 6 meetings. The two sides have also met at the Brigadier and Colonel levels. Sources added that the Chinese “appeared ready for another round of meetings at the senior military level”, but that India was “waiting for disengagement at Patrolling Points 14, 15 and 17” before announcing any such talks.
Speaking at a virtual rally on Sunday, Indian defense minister Rajnath Singh said that both countries intended to resolve the issue via dialogue at the diplomatic and military levels. “We will not keep anyone in the dark, neither Parliament nor anyone else. We will disclose everything at an appropriate time,” he said.
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During a de-escalation process in the Galwan valley last night, a violent face-off between Indian and Chinese forces led to the death of 3 Indian soldiers, the first LAC combat casualties since 1975. A statement from the army said that senior military officials from both sides are currently meeting at the venue to defuse the situation.
Image Source: DNA India