India, China discuss border issues

Amid reports of fresh incursions by Chinese troops in Ladakh's Chumar sector, India and China Wednesday reviewed recent developments on their disputed 3,500-km long boundary and the need for additional confidence building measures.

The third meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs concluded here.

The Indian side was led by Gautam Bambawale, joint secretary (East Asia) in the external affairs ministry, and included representatives of the defence and home ministries.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said, "Talks were held in a constructive and forward-looking atmosphere".

"The two delegations reviewed recent developments in the India-China border areas with the objective of enhancing peace between the two countries," he said.

The spokesman said both sides discussed additional confidence building measures.

"They also consulted on measures to improve the functioning of the working mechanism and make it more efficient," he said.

The two delegations discussed the possibility of introducing an additional route for the Kailash-Manasarovar Yatra.

The fourth meeting of the working mechanism will be held in China at a mutually convenient time, he added.

The April 15 intrusion by Peoples Liberation Army troops in Ladakh's Depsang area, which stretched to three weeks with the Chinese side pitching tentds, had led to heightening of tension between both the sides.

It was resolved following intense negotiations through their joint mechanisms.

According to reports, Chinese troops on horseback crossed the Line of Actual Control on three occasions - July 16, 17 and 20 - in Chumar and on one occasion held posters asking the Indian forces to "vacate Chinese territory".

India is in a relatively sound position with roads and surveillance towers in Chumar, which the Chinese are unhappy over.