New Delhi: The 16th Corps Commander-level meeting between India and China is likely to be held on July 17, sources said on Wednesday. He said the talks would be held with the aim of discussing freedom from friction points on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.
India will be represented in the talks by Fire and Fury Corps Commander Lt Gen A Sengupta. The 15th round of China-India Corps Commander-level meeting was held on March 11 this year at the Chushul-Moldo border rendezvous on the Indian side.
During the meeting, both sides took forward the discussions held on 12 January this year from the previous round to resolve the related issues along the LAC in the western region. They had an extensive exchange of views, taking into account the guidance given by the state leaders to work for the earliest resolution of the remaining issues.
They reaffirmed that such a proposal would help restore peace and tranquility along the LAC in the western region and facilitate progress in bilateral relations. Both sides also agreed to in the interim to maintain security and stability at the ground level in the Western Sector. They agreed to continue the dialogue through military and diplomatic channels to reach a mutually acceptable solution to the remaining issues at the earliest.
India and China have been engaged in a standoff since April-May 2020 over violations by the Chinese military in several areas including the Finger Area, Galwan Valley, Hot Springs and Kongrung Nala.
The situation worsened after violent clashes with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley in June 2020. The talks have led to disruption from some areas, including Pangong Tso and the north and south coast of Galwan, but some friction points remain.