20th meeting of working mechanism for consultation, coordination on India-China Border Affairs held

The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (East Asia) from the Ministry of External Affairs.

The Director General of the Department of Boundary & Oceanic Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs led the Chinese delegation.

The two sides reviewed the developments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the India-China border areas since the last round of the WMCC held on 30 September 2020, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Friday.

The two sides agreed that based on the guidance provided by senior leaders and the agreements reached between the two Foreign Ministers and Special Representatives, they would continue to work towards ensuring complete disengagement in all friction points along the LAC in the Western Sector at the earliest.

The two sides noted that the 7th and 8th rounds of Senior Commanders meetings held on 12th October and 6 November 2020 respectively had in-depth discussions in this regard and that these discussions had also contributed to ensuring stability on the ground.

Both sides agreed to maintain close consultations at the diplomatic and military level.

They agreed that the next (9th) round of Senior Commanders meeting should be held at an early date so that both sides can work towards early and complete disengagement of troops along the LAC in accordance with the existing bilateral agreements and protocols, and fully restore peace and tranquility.