India, China agree to disengage troops from Gogra Heights

In the 12th round of talks between India and China, both countries have agreed to disengage troops from the patrolling point 17A, also known as Gogra Heights, one of the friction points between the two countries in the eastern Ladakh region. The two sides had deployed their troops against each other in this region since May last year.

The last disengagement agreed and acted upon both sides was in February this year when they disengaged from the banks of Pangong Lake.

The two sides would continue their talks to resolve the issue on friction points including the PP-15 (Hot Springs) and the Depsang plains. The talks were held on 31 July in Chushul-Moldo on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) after which they issued a joint statement on 2 August.

As per the statement, “The two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on resolution of remaining areas related to disengagement along the Line of Actual Control in the Western Sector of India-China border areas. The two sides noted that this round of meeting was constructive, which further enhanced mutual understanding.”

It said that both sides agreed to resolve these remaining issues in an expeditious manner in accordance with the existing agreements and protocols and maintain the momentum of dialogue and negotiations. “The two sides also agreed that in the interim they will continue their effective efforts in ensuring stability along the LAC in the Western Sector and jointly maintain peace and tranquillity,” the statement added.

This round of meetings was held following the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of India and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on 14 July in Dushanbe, and the 22nd meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) which was held on 25 June.

WITH ANI INPUTS